The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended two women for their alleged involvement in the trafficking and sale of a set of newborn twins from Abia State. The arrest took place on September 9, 2024, as the suspects arrived in Lagos from the southeastern state.
In a statement released on Friday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest of the suspects, identified as Ujunwa Una and Chinelo Igbechionwu. According to the statement, officers from the Ojodu Division, who were stationed at the Berger bus stop—a key entry point into Lagos—apprehended the women after receiving a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
“Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two female suspects, Ujunwa Una and Chinelo Igbechionwu, for conspiracy and the sale of newborn babies,” Hundeyin said in the statement.
The women were found in possession of two newborn girls, estimated to be just six days old, while traveling from Abia State to Lagos. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects intended to deliver the infants to a nurse in Lagos. The nurse, according to the police, was introduced to the suspects by the mother of the twins, who facilitated the arrangement only after they arrived in Lagos.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being involved in the sale of the babies. They disclosed that they were paid ₦150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) as transportation fees for the infants. Further investigations revealed that the mother of the twins allegedly sold her babies due to her inability to provide adequate care for them.
The case has since been transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command. The newborns are currently in the care of a motherless babies’ home, where they are receiving medical attention and proper care.
The suspects were brought before a court on Thursday, September 19, 2024, to face charges related to child trafficking and conspiracy.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating human trafficking and child exploitation, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
This incident is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal sale and trafficking of children in Lagos and across Nigeria.
