NAPTIP nabs woman for selling her newborn at N350,000

THE National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has arrested 30-year-old mother of four, Rosemary Okafor, for selling her newborn baby at the cost of N350,000 in Anambra State.

She was arrested alongside other 10 persons for suspected child trafficking, abduction and sale of children.

A statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations of NAPTIP, Mr Josiah Emerole, on Wednesday in Abuja, said the suspects were arrested in different parts of Anambra state in a combined operation carried out with the support of the operatives of the Directorate of the State Services (DSS).

He noted that one of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor, sold one of her 4 children (Newborn baby) to one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350, 000.

According to him, the woman confessed to having sold the baby to be able to train the other three in school.

The statement further indicated that the suspects comprising 8 women and 3 men were said to have belonged to a criminal syndicate that specialized in kidnapping and sale of babies across the country notably the States of the South-East, Lagos and Abuja.

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Emerole said three children whose ages range from 8 months to 4 years were recovered during the operation while scores of other children believed to have been trafficked by the gang are yet to be found.

Among the children were a 2-year-old girl who has reportedly stolen from Lagos sometimes ago and another 4-year old boy who was allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba area of the Federal capital territory. His parents are yet to be traced.

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He said the parents of the 8-month-old child are yet to be traced while the 2-year-old child whose 4-year- old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents.

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She was said to have been stolen from Okpoko in Anambra State and was recovered in Lagos.

“While the suspects are in the custody of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Agency, the rescued children and the remaining 3 children of Rosemary Okafor victims are presently receiving the required services at the Agency’s shelter.

“Investigation on the matter continues,” the statement said.