Imo police arrested a pastor and three others for selling a newborn baby for N900,000 after deceiving the mother that the child had died.
The Imo State Police Command says it has uncovered a child trafficking ring, arresting a self-acclaimed pastor and three accomplices for allegedly stealing and selling a one-month-old baby.
In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the suspects were arrested on September 11 with the help of youths in Ohaji. He listed them as Albert Chidumaga, 44; Rose Isiguzo, 58; Ikechukwu Ezemadu, 50; and Orji Moses, 46.
Okoye said Chidumaga, who claimed to be a pastor, impregnated 22-year-old Precious Ochasi from Ohuba, Ohaji. “Upon delivery, he conspired with a nurse identified as Blessing and a child trafficking agent named Chioma (both currently at large) to sell the baby to Rose Isiguzo for N900,000,” the statement read.
The police added that Ochasi was deceived and falsely told her baby had died at birth. Investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.