8th February, 2025
By Paul Iyoghojie
In a major crackdown on child trafficking, operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos have apprehended seven suspects allegedly involved in the buying and selling of babies.
The operation, led by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade, resulted in the rescue of five children aged between one and three years.
The arrested suspects include Ibezim Chioma, 57; Chinasa Echelibe, 52; Sunday Okputu, 45; Ngozi Ekwuna, 52; Ngozi Ifekwuna, 52; Faith Sunday, 21; Sunday Ochim, 45; and Nwakuba Helen Chinyere, 64.
According to police sources, the syndicate was exposed following credible intelligence from concerned citizens alerting authorities to suspicious activities involving the illegal sale of children.
Acting on this information, AIG Fayoade deployed a special team to track down the suspects across various locations in Lagos. The swift operation led to their arrest and the recovery of the trafficked children.
Investigations revealed that the suspects engaged in the unlawful sale of infants under the guise of adoption.
Among the cases uncovered, Ibezim Chioma and Chinasa Echelibe were accused of illegally obtaining custody of a one-year-old child, Marvellous Olbi.
Similarly, Sunday Okputu, Ibezim Chioma, and Ngozi Ifekwuna were linked to the sale of a three-year-old, Promise Ifekwuna.
Other transactions involved the illicit sale of babies Somtochukwu Onyemaechi, Chibuzorrunma, and Chukwudi Ibezim.
Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, on a six-count charge, including conspiracy and illegal trade in minors.
Police prosecutor Francis Igbinosa informed the court that the offences, committed between 2015 and 2024, violated Section 26(a)(b) of the Lagos State Child Rights Law, 2007.
The defendants pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Adetunji ordered them to file their bail applications and directed the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the case.
The matter was adjourned until 28 February 2025, while the suspects remain in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the DPP’s response.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing to dismantle child trafficking networks operating in Lagos and beyond.
