Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Delta State — Delta State police have arrested a pastor and his wife in Agbarho following allegations that they purchased a two-month-old baby boy for ₦1.5 million, in what authorities are treating as a serious child trafficking and abuse case. The shocking development has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger protection of children and accountability in communities across the state.
The incident came to light following a report of an apparent child abduction, which was initially filed at the Ekpan Police Division, Uvwie Local Government Area. According to the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Engr. Emmanuel Udoka Chika-dibia, operatives were promptly deployed to investigate after the baby’s disappearance was reported, combing areas across Uvwie and Warri in search of the missing infant.
Investigators grew suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the reported abduction after preliminary interactions with the infant’s mother revealed inconsistencies. Her explanations reportedly did not align with the available evidence, prompting officers to urge her husband to independently verify her account about how the child was taken. During this process, and after being prompted to take an oath to prove her innocence, the woman is said to have confessed that she had not been abducted but had sold the baby to a pastor at a church in Agbarho.
Following her confession, the mother led police operatives to the church where the baby was believed to have been taken. In a coordinated response, law enforcement officials recovered the infant unharmed and effected the arrest of the pastor and his wife, who are now in police custody for questioning.
The police have since initiated a full-scale investigation into the matter to determine the exact circumstances of the alleged transaction, uncover all individuals involved, and assess whether further charges may be warranted. Authorities have been tight-lipped on the identities of the pastor and his wife, but confirmed that the pair were detained as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Child protection advocates and community leaders have expressed alarm at the incident, stressing that no credible justification exists for the sale or transfer of a minor for monetary consideration. They argue that such cases underscore persistent vulnerabilities in child safeguarding mechanisms and the need for robust enforcement of laws against child trafficking and exploitation across Nigeria.
Under Nigerian law, the sale or purchase of a child for any purpose is a grave offence, potentially attracting stiff penalties under the Child Rights Act and related anti-trafficking statutes. Legal experts note that if proven, the pastor and his wife could face prosecution on multiple counts related to child trafficking, exploitation, and conspiracy, with the police investigation likely to form the basis for formal charges. (
The case has also triggered discussion about the warning signs that often accompany child trafficking incidents — including false reports of abduction, inconsistent narratives from caregivers, and sudden transfers of custody without documented legal or welfare justification. Security analysts and child rights activists have urged law enforcement agencies to intensify community outreach and education to prevent similar cases, as well as to improve vetting and monitoring of individuals in positions of trust, such as religious leaders or caregivers.
As the Delta State Police Command continues its investigation, public attention remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the rescued infant, while authorities work to determine the appropriate legal response. The outcome of this high-profile case is expected to shape broader conversations about child protection and accountability in both religious and civil society institutions across Nigeria.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments