Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old woman for allegedly attempting to sell her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
The command said the operation was carried out by officers attached to the Oyi Divisional Police Station following credible intelligence received from members of the public.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect was intercepted on June 19, after she was reportedly traced to a location in Igbariam where she was keeping the baby.
Ikenga explained that the swift intervention led to the rescue of the infant, while both mother and child were immediately taken into protective custody.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the young woman allegedly concealed her pregnancy from her family before giving birth. She was also said to have left her home in Imo State and moved to Anambra State, where she stayed with a friend prior to the incident.
The police further disclosed that the suspect’s parents were contacted and later arrived to take custody of both mother and child for proper care and supervision.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the public for providing timely information that aided the rescue operation. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children, from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
