Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking has arrested a 48-year-old man, identified as Anthony Igbinogun, and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, 28, for allegedly selling their one-month-old baby to buy drugs.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended with their friend, James Precious, who linked them with the baby’s buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Head of the Investigation Unit of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Abigail Ihonre, while briefing journalists in Benin City, disclosed that the baby was sold for N1.7 million.
Ihonre said, the mother of the baby has confessed to the crime of selling the baby. Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the baby and the buyers as the matter will be charged to Court on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million.
“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. But that wasn’t the best option for them, as the decision could destroy their lives. The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison.”
