Delta: Police arrest two women for allegedly selling infant for N2m

By Adeyanju Esther

The Delta State Police Command has detained two women, Tessi Ikechukwu and Lauretta Akomen, for their alleged involvement in the theft and sale of a three-day-old baby for N2 million.

The police successfully rescued the infant during the operation.

According to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the incident unfolded on October 1, 2024. A tricycle rider, whose identity remains undisclosed, approached the Ekpan Police Station with a concerning report.

He noted that while performing his regular duties, he transported four women in his tricycle. However, two of them exited at Efurrun Roundabout.

“One of the women who got off handed a newborn baby boy to the remaining two passengers in the tricycle,” Edafe explained.

The rider overheard one of the women mention, “the balance has been paid,” instructing the others to inform her upon reaching their destination.

The tricycle driver redirected the two women, along with the baby, to the Ekpan Police Station for further investigation. Initial inquiries revealed that Lauretta Akomen, one of the suspects, allegedly purchased the baby for N2 million from a traditional home in Port Harcourt.

This establishment reportedly lures teenage girls, facilitating encounters that result in pregnancy, only to sell their babies to prospective buyers.

“The suspect disclosed that she was administered a drug to simulate pregnancy,” Edafe stated.

Furthermore, she led police officials, including DPO CSP Aliyu Shaba, to a woman named Gloria, who allegedly acted as a mediator between her and the traditional home involved.

As investigations progress, both suspects remain in custody. Law enforcement is actively pursuing other accomplices believed to be linked to this illicit operation.