From promise to betrayal — that’s the painful story of a young woman in Ebonyi State whose partner allegedly sold their 5-day-old baby for ₦1.5 million.
The suspect, identified as Chukwuma Onwe from Nwezenyi-Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area, was arrested after his lover, Philomena Iroko, raised an alarm. Onwe reportedly told her he had taken the baby to his sister for proper care. Unknown to her, the child had already been sold to a woman identified as Chinyere Ugochukwu.
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According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, both Onwe and Ugochukwu were arrested on Friday at the Azugwu area of Abakaliki, and the baby has since been recovered safely.
“Yes, he, Onwe, has been arrested and is currently in our custody. We are going to commence an investigation into the matter,” Ukandu said.
Narrating her ordeal, Iroko said she never imagined the man who promised to marry her would sell their child.
“The man, who is yet to be my husband, took the child and lied to me that he gave the baby to his sister for further care. I didn’t know he had already collected money in exchange for my 5-day-old baby,” she said tearfully.
She thanked the police for rescuing her son and pleaded with the public for help to raise the child.
“Look at me, no husband and no one to take care of my baby. I am begging the state government and good-spirited individuals to come to my assistance,” she added.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a full investigation into the case, promising to bring all those involved to justice.
This incident comes months after a similar case in Akwa Ibom State, where a couple was arrested for allegedly selling their child for ₦450,000.