Lagos Police probe N2.5m newborn baby sale, arrest doctor, three others

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and the parents of a newborn baby in connection with the alleged sale of the infant for N2.5 million in the state.

Police authorities said the arrests followed an investigation into a suspected child trafficking arrangement involving the newborn, the child’s mother, and several intermediaries who allegedly facilitated the transaction.

According to preliminary findings, the 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend reportedly agreed not to keep the child after birth and began searching for individuals who could help them sell the baby.

Investigators said the couple was eventually linked to a prospective buyer in the Ikorodu area through a network of intermediaries allegedly involved in illegal child trading activities.

Further police findings revealed that the pregnant woman was first taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. However, complications arose during labour, prompting her transfer to a private hospital in Ikorodu for emergency medical attention.

At the hospital, a medical doctor identified as the principal suspect in the case reportedly performed a Caesarean section, which successfully delivered both the mother and the newborn.

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Police alleged that shortly after the delivery, arrangements for the sale of the baby were concluded within the hospital premises, with the newborn subsequently handed over to an unidentified buyer following payment of N2.5 million. The suspected buyer is currently at large.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has ordered the transfer of the case from Area E Command, Festac, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a more detailed investigation.

The case is now being handled by the Anti-Human Trafficking and Gender Unit of the SCID under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dayo Akinbisehin.

Police described the matter as involving conspiracy, child stealing, and human trafficking, and said efforts are ongoing to track down all individuals connected to the alleged crime, including the fleeing buyer.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to combating child trafficking and warned that anyone found involved in such activities would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.