The Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking has apprehended a 48-year-old man, Anthony Igbinogun, and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, 28, for allegedly selling their two-month-old baby to fund their drug addiction. Home News Metro Plus Investigations Videos Sports Columns Podcast
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the suspects and their friend, 26-year-old Precious James, connected them to the baby’s buyer.
Abigail Ihonre, Head of the Investigative Unit of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, told journalists in Benin City that the baby was sold for N1.7 million, and that an investigation was ongoing to rescue the child and capture the buyer.
According to Ihonre, “Our investigations revealed that the baby’s mother, Joy Umukoro, delivered the baby in April 2023 and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7m.” She has admitted to the wrongdoing.
“The investigation into the case continues as we intensify our efforts to locate the buyer and the child. The matter will be brought before the court at the latest on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone who is culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities. The investigation into the case continues.
The suspects claimed that they were unable to care for the child and committed the heinous act. These alleged drug addicts decided to sell the baby when it became clear that they couldn’t care for him.
Trafficking is punishable by approximately seven years in prison. If you are unable to care for your child, I urge you not to sell it. Instead, bring it to the office of the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking, where we work with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs, or take it to other child-care organizations. Selling that child is not a good idea because it could land you in jail.
Umukoro, the infant’s mother, stated that they sold him to a willing buyer for N700,000, with N500,000 paid in cash; The agent who brought her to the buyer received N170,000, and the remaining funds were used for drugs.
She stated, “After giving birth to the baby, life became very difficult, and I approached my friend to assist me with a buyer, and she provided me with the link.” Together with another woman, I went to Port Harcourt and sold the baby for N70,000. The reason is the medications I take. In addition, I paid for my father’s burial and sent money to my other two children for their upkeep.
Igbinogun, on the other hand, stated, “We remained together and gave birth to the baby; The mother claimed that she was unable to care for the infant. She informed me that her friend Precious James had found a buyer, that she had traveled to Rivers State to sell the child, and that upon her return, she had given me N100,000.
James, who arranged the illegal transaction, claimed that they were all drug users and unable to care for the child.
She continued, “My friend told me she sold the baby for N700,000 and when she returned, she bought drugs for me with the money.
