Police Rescue Two-Day-Old Baby, Arrest Traffickers in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has rescued a two-day-old baby and arrested two suspects who allegedly attempted to traffic the infant for ₦800,000.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John.

According to John, the suspects were apprehended when police operatives on patrol along the Nsit Atai-Oron Road intercepted a Mazda vehicle with registration number YAB 454 AA. The car was driven by a man, Bethel Anyanwu, and had two female passengers. A newborn was also found in the vehicle.

“The occupants could not provide a credible explanation about the baby. After thorough interrogation, the suspects—Nasikpo Sonia Labere and Inemesit Okin Akpan—confessed they had been sent from Port Harcourt by two women, identified as Waazor Godwin and Lilian Duru, to collect the baby from one Miss Grace Inyang in Oron,” the PPRO said.

Further investigation revealed that one Alison Eduno facilitated the link between the baby’s buyer and seller. Police also arrested the baby’s 20-year-old mother, Blessing Walter, and grandmother, Grace Walter, aged 55, both residents of Oti Oron. They confessed to selling the baby for ₦800,000.

The rescued infant has been handed over to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare for care and protection.

All suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.