The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended a man identified as Gabriel Ekpiri for allegedly selling his nine-year-old son for the sum of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).
The suspect, an unemployed resident of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu Local Government Area, confessed to the crime, attributing it to the influence of the devil and the economic hardship he faced.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, on Tuesday, the swift intervention of a patrol squad led to the arrest of Gabriel Ekpiri.
The police were on a routine patrol when they discovered the heinous act and promptly took action.
The PPRO said;
”The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi has condemned the action, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, the PPRO informed.
“The Commissioner of Police has condemned the action of one Gabriel Okon Ekpiri of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu Local Government Area who sold his nine-year-old son for N400,000.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents appalled and disheartened by the actions of a parent towards their own child.
The police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter to unravel the full extent of the incident and to ensure that all individuals involved face the full weight of the law.
The rescued child has been placed in the care of child welfare authorities while awaiting further legal proceedings.