The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to a child trafficking network and recovered a newborn baby allegedly abducted and sold without the knowledge or consent of the parents.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.
According to her, the baby was reportedly sold for ₦145,000 shortly after delivery, without the father’s approval.
She said the suspects arrested in connection with the crime include Ekemini Godwin, 19, Endurance Sunday, 26, and Alice Emmanuel, 50, all from different communities in the state.
“In one of the operations, operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, on 13th May, 2026, at about 1900hrs, arrested three female suspects over their alleged involvement in child trafficking, conspiracy, and the unlawful sale of a newborn baby,” she said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the complainant, Sifon, reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7, 2026. Shortly after delivery, the suspects allegedly conspired and sold the newborn to another woman, Eno Peter, in Ikpe Atai Village, without the father’s consent.
Police said immediate action was taken after the report, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the safe recovery of the baby boy.
The suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation, while investigations are ongoing to uncover others connected to the trafficking ring and possible illegal adoption networks operating within and outside the state.
DSP Timfon John also disclosed that operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in Efa village, Etinan Local Government Area, as part of wider operations linked to the case.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information, assuring that efforts are ongoing to ensure safety and justice in the state.
