In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Nkwelle in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, a grandmother identified as Oluchukwu Nwosu has been taken into police custody for allegedly selling a newborn baby for the sum of N50,000.
According to reports gathered by FINDWHOSABI Metro, the baby in question was born out of wedlock to the suspect’s daughter, Ijeoma.
The swift response of the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command, led to the apprehension of both the grandmother and those involved in this criminal act, after the baby’s mother reported the incident.
Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, released a press statement on Sunday to provide details on the case.
The statement read, “The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Anambra State has rescued a three-month-old baby who had been sold by the grandmother.”
It was reported that Ijeoma Nwosu, the mother of the baby, alerted authorities about the situation, claiming that her mother, Oluchukwu Nwosu, forcibly sold her baby shortly after giving birth and had since refused to disclose the baby’s whereabouts.
Upon receiving the allegation, Commissioner Ify Obinabo took swift action, collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
The statement further quoted Ijeoma, who explained that her mother sold the three-month-old baby for N50,000, citing their low income, financial difficulties, and challenges in caring for the child as reasons for the sale.
During investigations, Oluchukwu Nwosu confessed to having found a buyer who, after days of negotiations, paid her the agreed-upon sum. However, the buyer, identified as Madam Evelyn, a native of Uruagu Nnewi, stated that she had paid N200,000 to the person who facilitated the transaction.
All suspects involved in the incident have been handed over to the police for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.
This deeply troubling case underscores the need for continued vigilance and intervention to protect vulnerable individuals and address issues related to child trafficking and exploitation in the region.