Edo State Taskforce Against Illegal exploitation has captured a 48-year-elderly person, Anthony Igbinogun, and his sweetheart, Happiness Umukoro, 28, for purportedly selling their one-month-old child to support their chronic drug use.
The suspects were captured alongside their companion, 26-year-old Precious James, who worked with the unlawful
exchange and connected them to the child's buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Abigail Ihonre, Head of Investigation Unit of the Taskforce, informed that the
child was sold for N1.7 million, noting that investigation is ongoing to
rescue the baby and apprehend the buyer
According to Ihonre, “Our investigations
revealed that Joy Umukoro, the mother of the baby, delivered the baby in April
2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million. She
has confessed to the crime of selling the baby
“Investigation into the case continues as
we intensify efforts to locate the buyers and the baby as the matter will be
charged to Court latest on Monday 26th, June 2023, so that everyone culpable is
made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“The suspects said they carried out the
dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are
alleged drug addicts and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the
baby, they decided to sell him. But that wasn’t the best option for them as the
decision may destroy their lives.
“The penalty for trafficking is about seven
years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell
but bring such to the office of Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking
as we collaborate with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs or take the
baby to other agencies that take care of children. Selling that child is not a
good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”