Akwa Ibom State Police Command has bust a child trafficking syndicate in the state and recovered a newborn baby abducted from the parents.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the newborn baby was sold for₦145,000 without the consent or knowledge of the father.
John said three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. The suspects include: Ekemini Godwin ‘F’, 19 years, of Ikot Obioma Village, Endurance Sunday ‘F’, 26 years, of Nkwot Ikono Village, Alice Emmanuel ‘F’, 50 years, of Nkwot Ikono Village.
She said, “In one of the operations, operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, on 13th May, 2026, at about 1900hrs, arrested three female suspects over their alleged involvement in child trafficking, conspiracy, and the unlawful sale of a newborn baby.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the complainant, one Sifon ‘M’, reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on 7th May, 2026. Shockingly, shortly after delivery, the suspects allegedly conspired and unlawfully sold the newborn child to one Eno Peter ‘F’ of Ikpe Atai Village for the sum of One Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand Naira (₦145,000) without the consent or knowledge of the father.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.
“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate and possible illegal child adoption network operating within and outside the state.”
John added that operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Efa village in Etinan Local Government Area on 13th May, 2026.
She said investigations are ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court soon.
According to her, the Commissioner, CP Baba Azare, has urged the public to avail the police with useful information while assuring adequate security for residents.
