The Edo State Police Command has arrested a woman, Martina Dachung, and two other suspects, including a nurse, over the alleged sale of a newborn baby for the sum of ₦1.4 million in Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State.
The arrests were disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Eno Ikoedem, in a statement issued on Saturday, January 10, 2025. The case was reported to the police by a resident of Uromi, identified as Ebhomien Matthew Asibor.
According to the statement, the command was alerted after the informant allegedly discovered that a mother was involved in an arrangement to traffic her newborn child. The report prompted swift action by operatives attached to the Iruekpen Divisional Headquarters.
The police said Martina Dachung, identified as the biological mother of the baby, was arrested first during the operation. Following her arrest, she reportedly provided information that led to the arrest of two other suspects connected to the alleged transaction.
The additional suspects arrested were identified as Matron Ighalo Grace, a nurse associated with Eguavon Medical Center in Uromi, and another individual named Oha Promise. The police said all three suspects were allegedly involved in facilitating and executing the illegal sale of the newborn baby.
The statement noted that the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, when the command received the alert and immediately moved in to prevent the completion of the alleged trafficking arrangement. The police did not provide further clarification on the timeline of the operation.
During the operation, the newborn baby boy was safely recovered by the police. The child was taken into protective custody to ensure his safety and well-being following the arrest of the suspects.
The police also confirmed that evidence of the financial transaction was recovered at the scene. According to the command, the sum of ₦1.4 million, believed to be the amount paid in exchange for the baby, was retrieved as part of the investigation.
ASP Ikoedem stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations. She added that the command was treating the case as a serious criminal offence involving human trafficking and child abuse.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reaffirmed the commitment of the command to combating all forms of criminal activity across the state. He assured residents that the police would continue to intensify efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in child trafficking and other illegal acts.
According to the statement, the commissioner emphasized that the command would sustain its onslaught against suspected hoodlums and criminal elements until Edo State is rid of all forms of criminality. He stressed that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for the police.
The police command also called on members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information. The statement noted that community cooperation plays a crucial role in preventing crimes and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
Residents were urged to report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking, illegal adoption, or other criminal acts to the nearest police station. The command said such cooperation would help strengthen security and maintain law and order across the state.
The Edo State Police Command reiterated its assurance that it would remain vigilant and proactive in responding to criminal cases, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals such as children. The investigation into the alleged sale of the newborn baby is ongoing as authorities prepare to prosecute the suspects in court.
