NSCDC rescues 17 pregnant women, 11 others from Badagry ‘baby factory’

By Raji Rasak

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected baby factory with 18 adults, and 10 children including 17 pregnant women in Badagry, Lagos State.

The 28 rescued victims who were between the ages of 18 and 35 years were arrested alongside two suspects, Lagos NSCDC Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro told journalists.

He said the operation followed intelligence gathered three weeks earlier.

“We received information about the facility three weeks ago and carried out the raid around midnight on Wednesday,” he said.

Keshinro said the building, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was large and comprised several apartments.

“The operators lure unsuspecting pregnant women with financial inducements and make them sign agreements,” he said.

He added that the suspects allegedly used a disguised Facebook account to conceal their intentions, directing victims to private chats.

“Once the victims arrive, their freedom is restricted and they are subjected to the conditions within the facility,” Keshinro said.

He said both the victims and suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

One of the suspects, Mrs Joy Okeke, said the operation had previously been based in Ikorodu before relocating to Badagry in January.

Okeke declined further comments, stating, “I will not answer questions until my lawyer is present.”

Another suspect, Alfred Junior, claimed the women came voluntarily.

“The pregnant women come on their own. Sometimes we give them transport money and take care of them after agreements are signed,” he said.

He insisted the operation was legal, adding that the women were not forced.

A victim said she joined voluntarily after the man responsible for her pregnancy failed to accept responsibility.

“I came here on my own because the person who impregnated me refused to take responsibility,” she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, Mr Adebayo Odunfa, said residents had grown suspicious of activities at the property.

“We noticed the occupants were always indoors, and the male suspect handled purchases before locking the premises.

“We had no idea of their activities until the NSCDC raided the place on Wednesday,” Odunfa added.

(NAN)