Chinedum Elekwachi
Police operatives have arrested four women over alleged child trafficking of a week old baby in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Tuesday said operatives apprehended the suspects during raid of a maternity in the area.
He said the baby victim is currently under protective care.
According to him, the suspects conspired together to purchase the baby for the sum of ₦1,7 million from her purported biological mother, identified as Peace Moses, who is among the arrested persons.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, through its operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours today October 28, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a location identified as Mama Maternity situated at Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area.
“During the raid, the operatives rescued a one-week old baby girl and arrested four female suspects in connection with a case of conspiracy and child trafficking.
Details of suspects
“The arrested suspects include: Elizabeth Okafor 62 years, Esther Nweke 48 years, Ngozi Maanfa 45 years and Peace Elijah Moses 25 years respectively.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects conspired among themselves and allegedly purchased a newborn baby girl, barely a week old, for the sum of ₦1,700,000.00 (One million, seven hundred thousand Naira).
“They had reportedly paid an advance sum of ₦350,000.00 (Three hundred and fifty thousand Naira) to the purported biological mother of the child, identified as Peace Elijah Moses, who is among the arrested persons.
“The baby girl has been safely rescued and is currently under protective care.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has ordered immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Gender Unit, Awka, for discreet investigation and necessary prosecution.
“The CP also reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of children and the ongoing fight against all forms of human trafficking in the State.”
