Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested members of a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued a two-day-old baby allegedly sold for ₦800,000. The arrest was made during a routine patrol along the Nsit Atai/Oron Road, where officers intercepted a Mazda vehicle with three occupants—two women and a man—alongside the newborn. The vehicle’s occupants were unable to provide a credible explanation for being in possession of the infant.
According to the police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the two women, Nasikpo Sonia Labere and Inemesit Okin Akpan, confessed that they had been sent from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by two individuals—identified as Waazor Godwin and Lilian Duru—to collect the baby from a woman named Grace Inyang in Oron. Their statements led police investigators to uncover more details about the illicit operation.
Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of Alison Eduno, who allegedly facilitated the transaction. Police also apprehended the baby’s mother and grandmother, 20-year-old Blessing Walter and 55-year-old Grace Walter, respectively. Both women, residents of Oti Oron, confessed to selling the newborn for ₦800,000.
The rescued baby has since been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Uyo for care and protection while the investigation continues. All suspects involved are currently in police custody, as authorities work to dismantle the trafficking network.
