Police arrest three women over sale of newborn in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three women over the alleged sale of a newborn baby, recovering firearms, hard drugs and a suspected stolen BMW vehicle in separate operations across the state.

Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, in a press statement over the weekend, said the operations were part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to combat violent crimes, child trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.

According to her, “’operatives, acting on credible intelligence on Wednesday, May 13, arrested three female suspects over alleged involvement in child trafficking, conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby.”

The suspects were identified as Ekemini Godwin, 19; Endurance Sunday, 26; and Alice Emmanuel, 50, all from communities in Ikono Local Government Area.

She said a complainant identified as Sifon reported that his wife delivered a baby boy on May 7, but the child was allegedly sold shortly after birth without his knowledge or consent.

Investigators alleged that the suspects sold the newborn to one Eno Peter of Ikpe Atai village for N145,000.

The statement said the baby was successfully recovered following swift intervention by operatives while the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.

She added that investigations had been expanded to uncover other members of the trafficking syndicate and possible illegal child adoption networks operating within and outside Akwa Ibom State.

In a separate operation at Efa village in Etinan Local Government Area, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout and arrested one Bassey Dennis, a 32-year-old suspect.

Items recovered from the suspect include a dane gun, one live cartridge, substances suspected to be Indian Hemp and Crystal Methamphetamine, popularly known as “ICE”.

Police described the recovery as a major threat to public safety, noting that illicit drugs and illegal firearms often fuel violent crimes.

The statement said investigations were ongoing to trace the source of the firearm and identify possible criminal collaborators linked to the suspect.

Meanwhile, police operatives also intercepted a silver BMW 5 Series saloon car without registration number during a stop-and-search operation along Abak Road in Uyo on May 14.

The statement said the unidentified driver abandoned the vehicle and fled before he could be arrested.

The vehicle has since been impounded for forensic and ownership investigations to determine whether it is linked to theft, armed robbery or other criminal activities.

The police warned individuals involved in child trafficking, cultism, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and drug-related crimes to desist or face prosecution.

The command urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence shared would be treated confidentially.