METRO POLICE INVESTIGATE ALLEGED BABY SALE AS DOCTOR, PARENTS ARE ARRESTED IN LAGOS

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and the parents of a newborn over the alleged sale of the infant for N2.5 million in Lagos.

Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that the 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend allegedly decided not to keep the baby after birth and subsequently sought individuals who could assist in arranging the child’s sale.

According to police findings, the couple was introduced to a prospective buyer in the Ikorodu area through intermediaries allegedly involved in the transaction.

Investigators disclosed that the expectant mother was initially taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. However, complications during labour reportedly necessitated her transfer to a private hospital in Ikorodu for further medical attention.

At the hospital, a medical doctor identified as the principal suspect allegedly performed a Caesarean section that ensured the survival of both the mother and the newborn.

Police further alleged that arrangements for the sale of the baby were finalised shortly after delivery within the hospital premises. The infant was subsequently handed over to an unidentified buyer following the payment of N2.5 million.

The suspected buyer is currently at large.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has ordered the transfer of the case from Area E Command, Festac, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation.

The matter, which involves allegations of conspiracy, child stealing and human trafficking, is being handled by the Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the SCID under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbisehin.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the alleged crime and recover the missing child.