By Daniel Edu
A grandmother identified as Oluchukwu Nwosu from Nkwelle, in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, is currently in police custody in the state for allegedly selling her three-month-old grandson for N50,000.
The baby in question was born out of wedlock to the suspect’s daughter, identified as Ijeoma. The state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the state police command, apprehended both the grandmother and others involved in this illegal act after Ijeoma, the baby’s mother, reported the incident.
Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, issued a press statement on Sunday, providing details of the case.
The statement revealed, “The Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Anambra State has successfully rescued a three-month-old baby who was sold by the grandmother.”
“The rescue mission was initiated in response to a report filed by Ijeoma Nwosu, who alleged that her mother, Oluchukwu Nwosu, forcibly sold her baby shortly after birth and has since refused to disclose the baby’s whereabouts.”
“Upon receiving this serious allegation, Commissioner Ify Obinabo of Women and Social Welfare took prompt action, collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for this crime.”
“After almost a month of consistent intelligence gathering and surveillance conducted by the ministry and law enforcement agencies, the culprits were apprehended.”
The statement also quoted Ijeoma, the baby’s mother, who claimed that her mother sold the three-month-old baby for N50,000, citing their low income, financial struggles, and difficulties in providing for the baby.
“During interrogations, the grandmother confessed to how she found a buyer, with whom she negotiated for days before the agreed sum was paid.”
“However, the buyer of the baby, a woman named Madam Evelyn from Uruagu Nnewi, revealed that she paid N200,000 to the intermediary who facilitated the transaction,” the statement further explained.
All the suspects involved in this case have been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
