Police stop woman’s attempt to sell newborn in Anambra 

The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement shared on the command’s Facebook page on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

According to the statement, operatives attached to the Oyi Divisional Station acted on credible intelligence on 19 June and successfully intervened before the alleged transaction could take place.

“Operatives of the Anambra Police Command attached to Oyi Divisional Station, acting on credible intelligence on June 19, successfully foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby.

“The police promptly secured both the mother and her infant daughter and facilitated their reunion with family members to ensure proper care, protection, and support,” Mr Ikenga stated.

Investigation underway

Mr Ikenga explained that the operation followed information received from a concerned citizen, leading officers to a location in Igbariam where the woman and her newborn were found.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the woman allegedly concealed both her pregnancy and childbirth from her parents.

Police further gathered that she had reportedly left her family home in Imo State and stayed with a friend in Igbariam before the alleged plan was uncovered.

“In the course of the operation, the police immediately contacted the young woman’s parents, who responded without delay,” Mr Ikenga added.

Following their arrival, both mother and child were reunited with the family to ensure adequate care, supervision and emotional support while investigations continue.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, commended members of the public whose vigilance and timely information contributed to the intervention.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting children against abuse, exploitation, trafficking and neglect.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

Police said investigations remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in line with the law.