A 48-year-old man, Anthony Igbinogun, his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, 28, and their friend, 26-year-old Precious James have been arrested for selling the lovers’ baby and using the proceeds to fund their drug addiction.
The Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking made the trio’s arrest.
Addressing newsmen on the hideous act, Head of the Investigative Unit of the anti-human trafficking agency said their victim, a two-month old was sold for N1.7m to the buyer in Port Harcourt with James as the middleman.
Ihonre’s word, “Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, the mother of the baby, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7m. She has confessed to the crime.
“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the buyer and the baby as the matter will be charged to court latest on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are alleged drug addicts and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him.
“The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell them but bring such to the office of the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking as we collaborate with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs or take the baby to other agencies that take care of children. Selling that child is not a good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”
