The Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued a two-month-old baby boy and apprehended five individuals in connection with a sophisticated child trafficking ring.
The breakthrough was announced in a statement released by the state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Saturday.
The intricate operation unfolded when the mother of the missing baby, who remains unnamed for her protection, filed a report at the Oko Oba police division. She alleged that on July 11, one Gloria Sunday had absconded with her infant son to an undisclosed location.
“Detectives promptly initiated an investigation,” Mr. Hundeyin explained. “Their efforts culminated in the arrest of Gloria Sunday. During her interrogation, she confessed to selling the baby for five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) to Pastor Peter Udoh.”
The investigation then took the detectives to Ikene town in Ogun State, where they apprehended Pastor Peter Udoh. According to the police, Pastor Udoh admitted to reselling the child for one million, four hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦1,450,000) to a woman named Loretta Nelson. The trail of the trafficking network didn’t end there.
“Further scrutiny revealed that Loretta Nelson subsequently sold the baby for two million, three hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦2,350,000),” Mr. Hundeyin added. Ms. Nelson was arrested in Festac Town, Lagos.
The case took a final twist when detectives tracked down the ultimate buyers of the baby, Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam. The couple was arrested during the naming ceremony of the stolen child, putting an end to the illicit transaction.
This series of arrests underscores the complex nature of the child trafficking syndicate operating within the region. The police spokesperson assured the public that all suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to dismantling child trafficking rings and ensuring justice for the vulnerable,” Mr. Hundeyin concluded.
The swift and efficient actions of the Lagos State Police Command have not only reunited a mother with her child but also shed light on an alarming issue that requires urgent attention. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in combating child trafficking.
