Police stop young mother from selling her baby in Anambra

The Anambra Police have stopped a 21-year-old woman from selling her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, shared this news in a statement to reporters on Sunday in Awka.

"On June 19, police officers from Oyi Divisional Station acted on credible information to stop the young mother from selling her newborn baby. They quickly secured both the mother and her baby and helped them reunite with family members for proper care and support," he said.

Ikenga explained that the police acted after a concerned citizen reported the situation. Officers went to Igbariam and found the young mother with her newborn.

He noted that initial investigations revealed the woman had hidden her pregnancy and childbirth from her parents. She had left her family home in Imo State and was staying with a friend in Igbariam when the plan was discovered.

"During the operation, the police quickly contacted the young woman’s parents, who came without delay," he said.

Ikenga added that once her parents arrived, they reunited with the mother and baby to ensure they received proper care, supervision, and emotional support. Investigations are still ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police for Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, praised the alertness and responsibility shown by the complainant and others in the community. Their quick action helped the police intervene successfully.

The PPRO stated that the CP also highlighted the command’s strong commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect.

Orutugu encouraged residents to stay alert and continue to work with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.

The command assured the public that they are still investigating to find out all the details of this incident and to ensure anyone involved is held accountable under the law.