The Edo State Police Command has arrested a woman, identified as Martina Dachung, for allegedly selling her newborn baby for ₦1.4 million in Uromi, Edo Central Senatorial District.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eno Ikoedem. According to the police, the suspect was apprehended following a report filed by a resident, Ebhomien Matthew Asibor.
ASP Ikoedem disclosed that two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the alleged illegal transaction. They include a nurse identified as Matron Ighalo Grace of Eguavon Medical Center, Uromi, and another individual, Oha Promise.
The statement said that on January 8, 2026, the police were alerted to a suspected baby trafficking arrangement involving the mother of the newborn. Acting on the information, operatives from the Iruekpen Divisional Headquarters arrested Dachung, who subsequently led officers to the other suspects.
“The newborn baby boy was safely retrieved, and evidence of the monetary transaction of One Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,400,000) was recovered,” the police said, adding that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating all forms of criminal activity across the state. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support the police in maintaining law and order.
The incident has renewed concerns over child trafficking and illegal adoption practices, with authorities warning that offenders will face the full weight of the law.