Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have rescued a one-month-old infant who was reportedly put up for sale for the sum of ₦2 million. Two individuals, including the biological mother and the proprietor of the delivery clinic, have been apprehended in connection with the crime.
The incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, following a report by the baby’s grandmother, Mary Amos, on October 15, 2026.
According to the police, Mary reported that her 23-year-old daughter, Cecilia Amos, gave birth to the baby on September 6 at Ebepraise Health Centre in Ido but disappeared with the child about seven days later.
Her inability to account for the baby’s whereabouts raised suspicions that the child had been sold.
The police said Cecilia, during interrogation, confessed that Dr. Adeleke Ebenezer, 40, owner of the health facility, and Hassan Oludunni allegedly lured her into the arrangement and facilitated the sale of the baby to Odunayo Folawewo.
Investigations revealed that the transaction involved ₦2 million, with Cecilia allegedly receiving ₦1 million, while Dr. Ebenezer and Hassan received ₦500,000 each.
The police confirmed that the baby had been rescued and that Dr. Ebenezer had also been arrested.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Odunayo Folawewo and other persons allegedly involved in the transaction.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command remains committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, urging members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking promptly.
What You Should Know
This incident highlights a disturbing case of child trafficking allegedly orchestrated from within a registered health facility in Ibadan. The swift action of the baby’s grandmother, who reported the disappearance, prevented the permanent separation of the child from her lawful family.
- Positive Impact: The successful rescue and prompt police intervention demonstrate law enforcement’s readiness to clamp down on illegal child-selling rings and protect vulnerable infants.
- Potential Concerns: The involvement of a medical practitioner and a health facility underscores severe regulatory vulnerabilities and ethical breaches within some local healthcare centres, posing risks to child safety.
