A middle-aged man, Chukwuma Onwe, has been detained by the Police Command in Ebonyi for allegedly selling his 5-day-old son for N1.5 million. The incident occurred in the Nwezenyi-Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area of the state. Onwe’s would-be wife, Philomena Iroko, alerted the authorities after discovering that her son had been sold to a woman named Chinyere Ugochukwu.

According to SP Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, the baby boy was recovered from the alleged buyer and Onwe was arrested alongside Ugochukwu on Friday at Azugwu area of Abakaliki Local Government Area. The police have commenced an investigation into the matter. Ukandu confirmed that Onwe is currently in custody and that the baby is healthy.

Philomena Iroko, the baby’s mother, stated that Onwe had taken their son without her knowledge, claiming that he had given the baby to his sister for further care. However, it was later discovered that Ugochukwu had paid Onwe for the child. Iroko expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for recovering her son and appealed to the public for assistance in caring for the baby.

Onwe had allegedly promised to marry Iroko, but she claims that he was deceiving her. With no husband and no means to care for her baby, Iroko is seeking help from the state government and individuals. The incident highlights the need for support and protection for vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, in society.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has demonstrated its commitment to combating child trafficking and exploitation by taking swift action in this case. As the investigation continues, it is essential to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The welfare and safety of the child remain the top priority, and it is crucial that the necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.