Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman, Rita Ughale, from Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, over her alleged involvement in the sale of her two-month-old baby.
The suspect reportedly sold the baby boy to a couple identified as Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30) for the sum of ₦1,500,000.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Warri on Friday, noting that both the seller and the buyers are currently in custody, while the infant has been rescued and is safe.
According to Edafe, on December 15, 2025, at about 6:40 p.m., Rita Ughale reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her two-month-old baby had been snatched from her during a robbery incident while she was travelling in a tricycle.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives and coordinated a swift search-and-rescue operation.
However, during the investigation, inconsistencies and suspicious behaviour observed in the complainant’s account led to further interrogation. The woman later confessed that the report was staged and admitted that she had sold her baby to Osas and Judith Omijie for ₦1,500,000.
“The suspects were arrested, and the infant was successfully rescued and is safe. All suspects are currently in custody while investigation continues,” Edafe said.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other accomplices involved in the crime for prosecution.
The command also recalled a similar incident in May 2025, when the Lagos State Police Command arrested five suspects accused of stealing and selling a two-week-old baby for ₦3 million. In that case, a teenage mother was allegedly moved secretly by her guardian and others after childbirth, and her baby sold without her knowledge. The child was later traced and rescued in Badagry, while the suspects remain under investigation.
