Police Rescue 3-days-old Stolen Baby, Arrest Port-Harcourt-based Child Traffickers In Delta

The Police in Delta state has arrested one Tessi Ikechukwu and Lauretta Akomen, 38, for child stealing.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com)`reports that the suspect were arrested on October 1, 2024, following the help of a vigilant tricycle rider who reported their suspicious activity at Ekpan Police Station.

Investigations revealed Lauretta purchased the three-day-old baby boy for N2 million from a traditional home in Port Harcourt, where teenage girls are exploited and forced into pregnancy for the purpose of selling their babies.

The baby’s mother, a minor, was allegedly lured into the home and impregnated.

Confirming the development, State Police Public Relation Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said; “On 1/10/2024, at about 1830hours, a tricycle rider (name withheld) came to Ekpan police station and reported that while he was on his daily commercial operation, four women boarded his tricycle, on reaching Efurrun roundabout, two of them alighted from the tricycle.

“One of the two women who alighted handed over a newborn baby boy to the women left in his tricycle and he heard one of them saying, the balance has been paid while saying that when they get to their destination, they should inform her.

“The tricycle rider smartly diverted the two women; Tessi Ikechukwu, and Lauretta Akomen, and the newborn baby to Ekpan Police Station.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects Lauretta Akomen ‘f’ aged 38yrs bought the baby for the sum of Two Million Naira (#2,000,000) from a traditional home located in Port Harcourt where they harbour teenage girls, and got men to have sex with them till they are pregnant after which they sell the babies to people looking for children.

“The suspect also revealed that she was given a drug which she took for some time to make her look pregnant.

“She later led the DPO CSP Aliyu Shaba and operatives to the house of one Gloria (surname unknown) who acted as an agent between her and the traditional home.

“Suspects are in custody while a manhunt for the other accomplices is ongoing.

Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the tricycle rider for his patriotism and urged others to emulate him.

He said that the command will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of Delta State residents, especially vulnerable populations like children.