The Police Command in Lagos State has busted a human trafficking ring and arrested a couple who bought a stolen child for N2.35 million.
The couple, Mr and Mrs James Uwam, were arrested during the naming ceremony of the two months old boy.
The trafficking ring which has a pastor as a key member, was busted after a detailed investigation following the report of the theft of the child lodged by his mother.
According to the command’s spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, the couple bought the child from one Loretta Nelson for N2.35 million.
Loretta Nelson, on her part, claimed that she bought the baby from one Pastor Peter Udoh for N1.450 million, while Udoh said he paid N500,000 to one Gloria Sunday for the baby.
Hundeyin said Gloria Sunday stole the baby on July 11, 2024, in Oko Oba area of Lagos, and the case was promptly reported by the baby’s mother.
Following the report, Hundeyin said police detectives from Oko Oba Division swung to action and arrested Gloria and others linked to the crime.
“Detectives swung into action which led to the arrest of Gloria Sunday who during interrogation confessed to selling the baby for N500,000 to one Pastor Peter Udoh.
“Pastor Udoh, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted reselling the child for N1,450,000 to one Loretta Nelson who was then also apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos.”
Hundeyin said Nelson confessed to selling the baby for N2,350,000 to one Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam who were apprehended during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.
The police command spokesman said all those involved would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.