The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦2 million in Ibadan and arrested two suspects, including the child's mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered. Police said investigations uncovered an alleged arrangement involving the mother, the health centre proprietor and other individuals, with efforts continuing to apprehend those still at large.
The development was disclosed in a statement dated Friday, October 16, 2026, by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Olayinka Ayanlade. The incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, where 23-year-old Cecilia Amos reportedly gave birth to the child on September 6, 2026, at Ebepraise Health Centre. The police identified the second arrested suspect as Dr Adeleke Ebenezer, 40, who owns the facility.
According to the police spokesperson, the investigation began after the baby's grandmother, Mary Amos, reported the child's disappearance on Thursday, October 15, at approximately 6 p.m. Mary, a resident of the Ogunwade area of Ido, told officers that her daughter had left with the baby about seven days after delivery and subsequently failed to provide a satisfactory explanation concerning the child's whereabouts. Her concerns prompted the police to investigate whether the infant had been unlawfully transferred to another person.
Following the complaint, police operatives arrested Cecilia Amos for questioning. The command alleged that, during interrogation, she admitted participating in an arrangement through which the baby was transferred to a buyer identified as Odunayo Folawewo. She reportedly implicated Dr Ebenezer and another individual, Hassan Oludunni, alleging that they had persuaded her to participate and facilitated the transaction.
Police said their preliminary investigation established that ₦2 million was involved in the alleged sale. According to the command, Cecilia received ₦1 million, while Dr Ebenezer and Oludunni allegedly received ₦500,000 each. The financial breakdown was disclosed as part of the police investigation and has not yet been tested in court.
The investigation subsequently led to the successful recovery of the baby girl and the arrest of the health centre owner. The police confirmed that Cecilia and Dr Ebenezer were in custody in connection with the case, while efforts were continuing to locate Folawewo and other individuals allegedly involved in the transaction. The statement did not clearly establish whether Hassan Oludunni had been arrested.
Although the police confirmed the child's rescue, they did not disclose the exact location where she was found or provide details of her medical condition. The command also did not specify the arrangements made for her immediate care following the rescue. These details remain important to understanding the child's circumstances after the alleged transaction.
The case has raised questions about the alleged involvement of a healthcare facility in the transfer of a newborn child. According to the police account, the arrangement was allegedly facilitated by individuals connected to the facility where Cecilia delivered her baby. However, the allegations against the suspects remain subject to investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable people from trafficking and related offences. It urged members of the public to report suspected cases promptly, stressing the importance of information from residents in identifying incidents and assisting investigations.
The command also encouraged residents to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre through the toll-free number 615 or the Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413 when reporting emergencies or suspected criminal activities.
As investigations continue, police are seeking the remaining individuals allegedly connected with the transaction. No conviction has been reported against the arrested suspects, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
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