A middle‑aged man, Chukwuma Onwe, has been detained by the Ebonyi State Police Command for allegedly selling his five‑day‑old son for N1.5 million. The incident occurred in the Nwezenyi‑Igbeagu community of Izzi Local Government Area. 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, the baby boy was recovered from the alleged buyer and both Onwe and Ugochukwu were arrested on Friday in the Azugwu area of Abakaliki Local Government Area. The police have launched an investigation, and Ukandu confirmed that Onwe remains in custody while the infant is healthy.
Philomena Iroko, the child’s mother, said Onwe had taken their son without her knowledge, claiming he had given the baby to his sister for care. It later emerged that Ugochukwu had paid Onwe for the child. Iroko thanked the Nigeria Police Force for recovering her son and appealed to the public for assistance in caring for the baby. She also noted that Onwe had promised to marry her but was deceiving her, leaving her without a husband or means to support the child. Consequently, she is seeking help from the state government and individuals.
The case underscores the need for greater support and protection for vulnerable individuals, especially women and children. The Ebonyi State Police Command has demonstrated its commitment to combating child trafficking and exploitation by acting swiftly in this matter. As the investigation proceeds, it is essential to hold those responsible accountable, prioritize the child’s welfare and safety, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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