₦2.5m Newborn Sale: Anambra Commissioner Hands Suspects to Police

By Our Reporter

The Anambra State Government has uncovered an alleged child trafficking case involving the purported sale of a newborn for ₦2.5 million, with the child’s mother reportedly receiving only ₦300,000 from the transaction.

The case involves a woman identified as Precious Uchenna, who reportedly described herself as a woman of God and had earlier accommodated the young mother after she was allegedly rejected by her family.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, disclosed the development in a statement shared on the ministry’s official social media platform.

According to the commissioner, Uchenna allegedly facilitated the transfer of the newborn to her sister without involving the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare or the Nigeria Police Force.

The state government considers the incident a suspected case of child trafficking, stressing that the transfer, adoption or custody of a child must follow legally recognised procedures.

During questioning, Uchenna reportedly admitted that ₦2.5 million was realised from the transaction and that she gave the child’s mother ₦300,000.

She was reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the whereabouts of the remaining ₦2.2 million when questioned by the commissioner. The alleged buyer was also present during the questioning.

Following the development, Commissioner Onyekesi informed the parties involved that they would be handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The commissioner warned individuals and organisations against exploiting vulnerable mothers and children, emphasising that no private arrangement can replace the legal procedures governing adoption, custody and child welfare.

The incident has also renewed concerns over illegal adoption and child trafficking, particularly involving vulnerable mothers who may lack family or financial support.

The Anambra State Government said it remains committed to strengthening child protection mechanisms and preventing practices that endanger the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children.

The suspects remain subject to investigation, and the allegations against them have not been established in court.