Police arrest mother, nurse over sale of baby for ₦1.4m

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a woman, Martina Dachung, and two others for their alleged involvement in the sale of a newborn baby for ₦1.4 million in Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday while outlining the police weekly operational achievements.

According to the statement, the case was reported by one Ebhomien Matthew Asibor, who alerted the police after discovering a suspected child trafficking arrangement.

“On January 8, 2026, one Ebhomien Matthew Asibor of Uromi informed the command that a mother was allegedly involved in the sale of her child,” the statement said.

Following the report, operatives from the Iruekpen Divisional Headquarters arrested Martina Dachung, the baby’s mother.

She later led officers to the arrest of two other suspects identified as Matron Ighalo Grace of Eguavon Medical Centre, Uromi, and one Oha Promise, who were said to be connected to the transaction.

The police said the newborn baby boy was safely rescued, while evidence of the alleged payment of ₦1.4 million was recovered from the suspects.

Ikoedem added that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating all forms of crime in the state.

He called on residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to help maintain peace and security across Edo State.