A newborn baby boy has been rescued by the Edo State Police Command following the arrest of his mother and two other suspects over the alleged sale of the child for ₦1.4 million in Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District.
The case came to light after a concerned resident, Ebhomien Matthew Asibor, reported a suspected child trafficking arrangement to the police on January 8, 2026, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Police authorities identified the mother of the child as Martina Dachung, who was arrested by operatives of the Iruekpen Divisional Headquarters. Investigations later led to the arrest of two additional suspects — Matron Ighalo Grace of Eguavon Medical Centre, Uromi, and Oha Promise — all allegedly linked to the transaction.
According to the police, the newborn was safely recovered during the operation, while evidence of the alleged payment amounting to ₦1.4 million was also retrieved.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, described the rescue as a reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable children and reaffirmed the command’s resolve to clamp down on child trafficking and related crimes.
He commended members of the public for their vigilance and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, noting that community cooperation remains vital to protecting children and maintaining public safety.
The rescued baby has since been placed in protective care as authorities continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale.
