Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Delta State — Nigeria’s police have confirmed the rescue of a two‑month‑old baby who was reportedly sold by the child’s mother to a pastor, in a case that has drawn national attention and sparked concern over child trafficking and exploitation. Authorities apprehended a 49‑year‑old suspect in connection with the incident, which was reportedly driven by deception and predatory behaviour targeting vulnerable families.
Delta State Police Commissioner Olufemi Abaniwonda revealed on Tuesday that detectives from the police command acted on credible intelligence to locate and recover the infant. The arrest follows a complaint in which the suspect was alleged to have enticed the child’s mother under false pretences and taken the baby in exchange for money. During her interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the sale.
Investigators say the baby was sold for an undisclosed sum, with the suspect — believed to be connected to a church organisation — using her position to gain the trust of the child’s mother. Police sources described the arrangement as a clear case of child trafficking and exploitation, noting that the mother was misled and coerced into parting with her infant. Meanwhile, the rescued child has been placed under protective care as proceedings continue.
This incident comes amid a separate but equal spike in reported child abductions and thefts in Delta State, where unknown gunmen earlier this week allegedly snatched a two‑month‑old baby at gunpoint in Effurun, Warri. In that case, the infant’s mother was travelling with her children when the assailants on a motorised tricycle reportedly seized the child before fleeing, leaving the mother traumatised. Security agencies are actively investigating that abduction as well.
Child trafficking and the illegal sale of infants have emerged as growing concerns in Nigeria, reflecting deeper socio‑economic vulnerabilities and systemic gaps in child protection. While rare, cases in which newborns and very young children are sold — sometimes involving intermediaries posing as religious figures, caregivers, or traffickers — have periodically surfaced in media reports and police records. Law enforcement has repeatedly warned the public about the dangers of such illicit networks and the need for vigilance.
Human rights advocates have condemned incidents like the Delta case, urging authorities to strengthen legal protections for children and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent. They say the exploitation of maternal trust and spiritual authority — as alleged in this case — undermines community confidence and exacerbates the trauma experienced by families already struggling with poverty and insecurity.
The Delta State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and related crimes. Commissioner Abaniwonda emphasised that police units specialising in child protection and anti‑trafficking operations will pursue every lead, and that collaboration with civil society and child welfare agencies remains vital to preventing future incidents.
As legal proceedings unfold, authorities have appealed to members of the public to report suspicious interactions involving children and to support efforts to safeguard vulnerable families. For its part, the police have assured that the rescued infant will be reunited with his biological family once investigations conclude, and that justice will be pursued for all involved.
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