Lagos, June 16, 2026 – The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant and two others accused of conspiring to sell a newborn baby for N2.5 million.
It was gathered that the case, initially reported at Area E Command, Festac, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, on June 1 for further investigation into allegations of conspiracy, stealing and child trafficking.
The investigation is being handled by Anti Human Trafficking/Gender detectives under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin.
It was gathered that the baby’s mother, a 28-year-old and her boyfriend had allegedly decided not to keep the child and subsequently sought individuals who could facilitate the sale of the baby after birth.
The couple was reportedly linked to a prospective buyer in Ikorodu through intermediaries.
It was gathered that the pregnant woman was first taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery.
However, due to complications during labour, she was referred to a private hospital operated by a medical doctor, where she underwent a successful Caesarean section that saved both her life and that of the baby.
Shortly after delivery, arrangements were concluded within the hospital premises for the sale of the newborn to an unidentified buyer for N2.5 million.
The baby was subsequently handed over to the buyer, who remains at large.
A police source disclosed that efforts to trace the suspect had been unsuccessful, as the address and telephone number supplied by the alleged buyer were discovered to be false.
“The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be non-existent. The address could not be traced and the phone number was incorrect,” the source said.
Investigators further revealed that the baby’s mother had initially consented to the arrangement. However, the deal reportedly went sour after she allegedly received only N700,000 out of the agreed N2.5 million payment.
The matter came to light after the woman reportedly raised concerns over the unpaid balance. Some non-governmental organisations later became involved and reported the matter to the police, triggering an investigation.
Police identified one of the principal suspects as a 31-year-old medical doctor who had been in practice for about four years. Another woman alleged to have facilitated the transaction, as well as the buyer of the baby, are currently on the run.
During a raid on a residence linked to the suspects, police reportedly found three young girls, two of who were found pregnant, raising strong suspicion of baby factory organized criminal scheme at play, leading to further arrests. Several suspects are presently in custody while investigations continue.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, recover the missing baby and ensure that all those involved in the alleged trafficking network are brought to justice.
The command added that suspects already in custody would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
However, The swift intervention by the operatives of the Lagos State Police Command has demonstrated CP Fatai Tijani’s proffessionalism and committment to duty in combacting all forms as security of lives and property remains its top priority.
