Horrifying Revelation: Doctor and Parents Arrested Over N2.5M Newborn Sale in Lagos Hospital

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged sale of a newborn baby for N2.5 million, leading to the apprehension of a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and the infant's parents. The shocking incident, which unfolded in Ikorodu, Lagos, has brought to light a deeply disturbing case of child trafficking and conspiracy.

Investigations conducted by the police revealed that the 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend had allegedly made a prior decision not to keep the baby after birth. Consequently, they actively sought individuals who could facilitate the sale of the child. Through a network of intermediaries, the couple was reportedly connected to a prospective buyer located in the Ikorodu area, where the illicit transaction was planned to take place.

The pregnant woman was initially taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. However, complications arose during labour, necessitating her urgent transfer to a private hospital also situated in Ikorodu. It was at this private facility that a medical doctor, now identified as a principal suspect in the case, performed a successful Caesarean section, ensuring the survival of both the mother and the newborn child. Disturbingly, the arrangements for the sale of the infant were finalized within the hospital premises shortly after the successful delivery, and the baby was subsequently handed over to an unidentified buyer in exchange for N2.5 million.

However, the buyer of the newborn remains at large, complicating efforts to locate the infant. A police source disclosed that the information provided by the person who took the baby, including the address and telephone number, proved to be false, thwarting initial attempts to trace them. "The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be false. The address could not be traced and the phone number was incorrect," the source stated.

The alleged deal began to unravel when the mother, who had initially consented to the arrangement, raised concerns over an unpaid balance. She reportedly received only N700,000 out of the agreed N2.5 million payment. This discrepancy in payment led her to voice her grievances, subsequently drawing the attention of several non-governmental organizations. These NGOs then reported the matter to the police, triggering the full-scale investigation that led to the current arrests.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from Area E Command, Festac, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more thorough and in-depth investigation. The Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the SCID, operating under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin, is currently handling the complex allegations of conspiracy, child stealing, and human trafficking.

Currently, the 31-year-old medical doctor, the baby’s parents, and the traditional birth attendant are all in police custody. Authorities confirm that they will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. The police further affirmed that dedicated efforts are actively ongoing to apprehend the elusive buyer and to successfully rescue the newborn baby, ensuring justice is served in this sensitive case.