Delta woman sells baby for N1.5m, claims robbers snatched new-born

The Delta State Police Command says its operatives have arrested one Rita Ughale, female, of Kokori, in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, along with two others for alleged sale of two-month-old baby.

The command spokesman, SP. Bright Edafe in a statement on Friday explained that the drama started on 15th December 2025.

He added, “At about 1840hrs, one Rita Ughale, female, of Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area, reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her two-month-old baby was snatched from her during a robbery incident while transiting in a tricycle.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives of the Division and coordinated a swift search and rescue operation. During the course of the investigation, inconsistencies and suspicious conduct observed in the complainant’s narrative prompted further interrogation. The complainant subsequently confessed that the report was staged, and revealed that she had sold her child aged two (2) months old to one Osas Omijie, male, aged 39 years, and Judith Omijie, female, aged 30 years, for the sum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,500,000). The suspects were arrested, and the infant was successfully rescued and is safe. All suspects are currently in custody while investigation continues, with efforts intensified to arrest other accomplices for prosecution.”

Edafe further said the command arrested producer of fake drink in the state.

He said, “On 14th December 2025, at about 0730hrs, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, acting on credible intelligence, executed a Search Warrant at the residence and premises of one Lydia Osanebi, female, aged 67 years, of 14th Street, Otor-Edor, Ughelli, Delta State.

“During the search, operatives recovered large quantities of dangerous chemicals suspected to include methanol, formalin and cochineal (carminic acid), alongside empty and newly printed seals and packaging materials of various brands of dry gin. Also recovered were over sixty (60) litres of suspected counterfeited and adulterated dry gin, super glue, stickers and shot glasses.

“The suspect was arrested and, during interrogation, voluntarily confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled original bottles for over twenty (20) years. Preliminary investigation revealed that methanol, one of the recovered substances, is highly toxic and capable of causing severe health complications, including organ failure, permanent blindness, coma and death. Investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of distribution and identify other persons involved.”

The police spokesman said the men and women of the command equally arrested suspected drug dealers and recovered suspected hemp.

He said, “In a separate operation, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, while acting on credible intelligence, raided a residence in the Gana area of Sapele on 18th December 2025 at about 0805 hours. The operation led to the arrest of one Felix Africa, male, 44 years. A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of eight (8) bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect admitted ownership of the exhibits and confessed to engaging in the buying and selling of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs. Investigation is ongoing.”

Edafe stated that the Delta State Police Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, protect public health, and ensure the safety and welfare of all residents of the state.

“Members of the public are advised to desist from engaging in illegal activities and to avoid the consumption of unregulated or suspicious products. Most importantly, citizens are further encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through the Control Room contact: 0803 668 4974,” Edafe added.