PM NEWS
A live-in couple, 48-year-old Anthony Igbinogun, and Joy Umukoro (28), have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, for allegedly selling their one-month-old baby.
Also arrested is their friend, 26-year-old Precious James, who facilitated the illegal transaction by linking them to a buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Head of the Investigation Unit of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Abigail Ihonre, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Benin.
She said the baby was sold for N1.7 million, and the proceed used to fund their drug addiction.
Ihonre said: “Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, the mother of the baby, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million. She has confessed to the crime of selling the baby.”
“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the buyers and the baby as the matter will be charged to Court latest on Monday 26th, June 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are alleged drug addicts and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him. But that wasn’t the best option for them as the decision may destroy their lives.
“The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell but bring such to the office of Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking as we collaborate with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs or take the baby to other agencies that take care of children. Selling that child is not a good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”
Confessing to the crime, the mother of the baby, Joy Umukoro, blamed hardship and her addiction to drugs for the illegal act.
She however said that she sold the baby to a willing buyer in Port Harcourt, for N700,000, with N500,000 paid in cash.
According to her, she gave the sum of N170,000 to the agent who linked them to the buyer, while the left over money was used to fund their drug addiction.
“After giving birth to the baby, life became very difficult and I approached my friend to help me with a buyer and she gave me the link.
“I traveled to Port Harcourt with another woman and sold the baby for ₦700,000. The drugs I take are the cause. I also sent some money to my other two children…
