Anthony Igbinogun, a 48-year-old man, and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, have been apprehended on suspicion of selling their newborn baby to obtain drugs.
The Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) arrested the couple, along with their friend James Precious, who had connections to the buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Abigail Ihonre, the Head of the Investigation Unit at ETAHT, informed the media in Benin City that the baby was sold for N1.7 million. While the mother admitted to the crime, the whereabouts of the infant have yet to be determined.
According to Ihonre, Joy gave birth in April 2023 but later claimed that they sold their son because they were unable to provide for him. She further revealed that the couple are drug addicts, putting them at risk of a seven-year jail sentence.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, with efforts focused on locating the baby and the buyers. The matter is scheduled to be taken to court on Monday, June 26, 2023, to ensure that all those involved face the consequences of their criminal actions.
“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the baby and the buyers as the matter will be charged to Court on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million.
“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are alleged drug addicts, and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him. But that wasn’t the best option for them, as the decision could destroy their lives. The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison,” she said.