Update: Police Arrest Woman for Allegedly Selling Two-Month-Old Baby After False Kidnap Claim in Delta

Police in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, have arrested a woman for allegedly selling her two-month-old baby for ₦1.5 million after falsely reporting that the child was kidnapped.

The suspect, identified simply as Rita, a resident of Ugbokodo in Okpe Local Government Area, had earlier circulated a report claiming her infant was abducted on Monday along the NNPC Complex Road, Warri a claim that went viral and was widely reported by several media outlets.

Following the report, the woman allegedly informed her husband and family that the baby had been kidnapped while she was returning home with another child, who was left unharmed. The family subsequently reported the matter to the Ekpan Police Division, prompting an immediate investigation.

Police sources said detectives attached to the division, working with operatives from the Area Command, commenced discreet and intelligence-driven investigations, which later revealed that the alleged abduction never occurred.

During interrogation, the woman reportedly confessed to having sold the baby for ₦1.5 million to a couple, allegedly involving a pastor, along the same NNPC Complex Road where she had claimed the kidnapping took place.

Confirming the development, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the child had been successfully rescued.

“The child was not kidnapped but sold by the mother. The mother is currently in custody, and the baby has been rescued from the couple she sold the child to,” Edafe stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the mother, the pastor identified as Valentine, and his wife are being detained at the Ekpan Police Station as investigations continue.

Police authorities said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses and assured the public that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.