Police Apprehend Lagos Doctor, 3 Others Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for N2.5m

The Lagos State Command Of Nigerian Police has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and two other individuals (all names withheld) accused of conspiring to sell a newborn baby for N2.5 million.

Police said the case was initially reported at Area E Command, Festac, and was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, on June 1 for further investigation into allegations of conspiracy, stealing, and child trafficking.

The investigation is being handled by Anti Human Trafficking/Gender detectives under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin.

Details of the case

According to police sources, the baby’s mother (name withheld), aged 28, and her boyfriend allegedly decided not to keep the child and sought individuals who could facilitate the sale after birth.

The couple was reportedly linked to a prospective buyer in Ikorodu through intermediaries.

The pregnant woman was first taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery. Due to complications during labour, she was referred to a private hospital operated by a medical doctor, where she underwent a Caesarean section. Both mother and child survived the procedure.

Shortly after delivery, arrangements were allegedly concluded within the hospital premises for the sale of the newborn to an unidentified buyer for N2.5 million.

The baby was subsequently handed over to the buyer, who remains at large.

A police source said efforts to trace the buyer have been unsuccessful, as the address and telephone number provided turned out to be false.

“The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be non-existent. The address could not be traced and the phone number was incorrect,” the source said.

Investigators said the baby’s mother initially consented to the arrangement but later raised concerns after allegedly receiving only N700,000 of the agreed N2.5 million.

The matter came to light after she reported the unpaid balance, prompting involvement from non-governmental organizations and a report to police.

Arrests and ongoing search

Police identified one of the principal suspects as a 31-year-old medical doctor who had been in practice for about four years.

Another woman alleged to have facilitated the transaction, as well as the buyer of the baby, are currently being sought by investigators.

During a raid on a residence linked to the suspects, police reportedly found three young girls, two of whom were pregnant.

The discovery raised suspicion of an organized criminal scheme, leading to further arrests.

Several suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.

The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects, recover the missing baby, and ensure that all those involved in the alleged trafficking network are brought to justice.

The command added that suspects already in custody will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Lagos State Police Command stated that securing lives and property remains its top priority and reiterated its commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking.