RismadarVoice Reporters
October 17, 2026
The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦2 million in Ibadan and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother, over their suspected involvement in the transaction.
The police disclosed that the incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, where the infant was allegedly transferred to another individual through an arrangement involving her mother and other suspected accomplices.
The command confirmed that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons allegedly connected to the transaction.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, October 16.
According to the police, the case came to light following a complaint lodged by the child’s grandmother, who reported the infant missing.
GRANDMOTHER REPORTS BABY’S DISAPPEARANCE
The police identified the complainant as Mary Amos, a resident of the Ogunwade area of Ido Local Government Area.
Amos reportedly approached the police on October 15 after discovering that her one-month-old granddaughter was missing.
Following the complaint, police operatives commenced investigations to establish the child’s whereabouts and determine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The investigation reportedly led detectives to the baby’s mother, identified as Cecilia, whose statements allegedly provided information about the suspected transaction.
According to the command, further inquiries revealed the possible involvement of individuals connected to the health facility where the child was delivered.
MOTHER ALLEGEDLY RECEIVED ₦1 MILLION FROM TRANSACTION
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the infant had allegedly been sold for ₦2 million.
The baby’s mother reportedly told investigators that she had been persuaded into the arrangement by other individuals, including a person associated with the health facility where she gave birth.
She allegedly identified an individual named Odunayo as the person to whom the baby was sold.
Investigators disclosed that the money was allegedly distributed among three persons involved in the arrangement.
The reported distribution was as follows:
- ₦1,000,000: Allegedly received by the baby’s mother, Cecilia.
- ₦500,000: Allegedly received by one suspected accomplice.
- ₦500,000: Allegedly received by another suspected accomplice.
The police said the financial arrangement formed part of the evidence being examined as investigators worked to establish the roles of the individuals involved.
The allegations remain subject to further investigation and have not been established by a court.
POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTS, SEARCH FOR OTHERS
The command confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the case, including the baby’s mother.
The second arrested suspect was identified in the police account as Adeleke, who was linked to the health facility where the infant was reportedly delivered.
Police also identified another suspect, Folawewo, as a person being sought in connection with the alleged transaction.
According to the command, efforts were underway to locate and apprehend the outstanding suspect and determine whether additional individuals participated in the arrangement.
Investigators are also expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged transfer of the baby and the movement of money between those involved.
The police have not disclosed full details of the child’s recovery or the specific location where she was found.
RESCUED INFANT PLACED UNDER POLICE PROTECTION
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that the baby girl had been successfully rescued.
The rescue represents a significant development in the investigation, which began after the child’s grandmother reported her disappearance.
However, the command did not provide detailed information about the infant’s medical condition, her current care arrangements or whether she had been placed in the custody of an appropriate child welfare authority.
The police reiterated that protecting children and other vulnerable persons remained a priority.
COMMAND WARNS AGAINST CHILD TRAFFICKING
Reacting to the incident, the command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children, particularly suspected trafficking, illegal adoption arrangements and the unlawful transfer of infants.
“The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons and urges members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences promptly,” the statement said.
The command emphasised the importance of public cooperation in identifying suspected trafficking networks and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable children.
Under Nigerian law, trafficking and the unlawful sale of children can attract serious criminal penalties, depending on the offences established and the applicable legislation.
Police investigations will determine the specific allegations and any charges to be brought against the suspects.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
The Oyo State Police Command said investigations remained ongoing as detectives worked to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged sale.
Authorities are seeking to identify all persons connected to the transaction, clarify their respective roles and determine whether further offences were committed.
The case has again drawn attention to the need for effective child protection measures, particularly in situations involving newborn babies and individuals who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
The police urged members of the public with relevant information to assist investigators.
Although two suspects have been arrested, they remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
