The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Chukwuma Onwe for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for ₦1.5 million. The shocking incident occurred in the Azugwu area of Abakaliki Local Government Area and has sparked widespread outrage across the country.
According to SP Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, Onwe, a native of Nwezenyi-Igbeagu Community in Izzi LGA, was apprehended following a tip-off from his fiancée, Philomena Iroko. Iroko reportedly alerted a neighbor after discovering the transaction, who then informed the police.
The baby was sold to a woman identified as Chinyere Ugochukwu, who has also been arrested. The police successfully recovered the infant from the alleged buyer, and both suspects are currently in custody pending further investigation.
“This is a deeply disturbing case,” said SP Ukandu. “We commend the vigilance of the community members who acted swiftly to prevent further harm. The child is now safe, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.”
The Ebonyi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and urged citizens to report suspicious activities promptly. Authorities are also investigating whether the suspects are part of a larger child trafficking network.
The incident has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and increased public awareness around the dangers of human trafficking. Civil society organizations have condemned the act and called for swift prosecution of the suspects.