The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a one-month-old baby girl allegedly sold for ₦2 million and arrested two suspects, including the child’s mother and the owner of the health facility where she was delivered.
The police said the incident occurred in Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the alleged child trafficking.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the case was reported on October 15, 2026, by Mary Amos of the Ogunwade area of Ido.
Mary reportedly told the police that her 23-year-old daughter, Cecilia Amos, gave birth to a baby girl on September 6, 2026, at Ebepraise Health Centre in Ido. She said her daughter disappeared with the baby about seven days after delivery and could not satisfactorily explain the child’s whereabouts, raising suspicions that the baby had been sold.
The police said Cecilia was arrested for questioning and allegedly confessed that Dr Adeleke Ebenezer, 40, who owns the health facility, and Hassan Oludunni lured her into the arrangement and facilitated the sale of the baby to Odunayo Folawewo.
Investigations reportedly revealed that the transaction involved ₦2 million, with Cecilia allegedly receiving ₦1 million, while Dr Adeleke and Hassan received ₦500,000 each.
The command said the baby had been successfully rescued and Dr Adeleke arrested. It added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Odunayo Folawewo and ensure that everyone involved was brought to justice.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, urging members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences.
The command also provided its emergency contact lines for members of the public seeking assistance. The Oyo State Call Response Centre can be reached toll-free on 615, while the Police Command Control Room is available on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
