One woman identified as Oluchukwu Nwosu from Nkwelle, the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been arrested the by police for allegedly selling her newborn grandchild for N50, 000.
According to Punch report, the baby was delivered out of wedlock by the suspect’s daughter identified as Ijeoma.
The security operatives of the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, together with men of the state police command, apprehended the suspect and the perpetrators in the crime, after the mother of the baby alerted the ministry.
This was disclosed in a press statement on Sunday by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
The statement reads in part, “The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Anambra State has rescued a three-month-old baby who had been sold by the grandmother.
“The rescue occurred in response to a report by Ijeoma Nwosu, who claimed that Oluchukwu Nwosu, her mother, forcefully sold her baby soon after he was born and has since refused to tell her where he is.
“After almost a month of consistent intelligence and surveillance by the ministry and security operatives, the offenders were caught.”
The statement quoted Ijeoma as saying that her mother sold the three-month-old baby for N50,000, claiming that it was due to their low income and lack of care and challenges of feeding the baby.
“During interrogations, the culprit confessed how she came across a buyer who after days of negotiations, finally paid her the agreed sum.
“But the buyer of the baby, one Madam Evelyn, a native of Uruagu Nnewi, when arrested, said she paid N200,000 to the person who obtained the baby for her,” the statement added.
The suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.