Anthony Igbinogun, 48, and Joy Umukoro, 28, were detained by the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking after they allegedly sold their one-month-old child to support their drug addiction.

26 years old Precious James, who brokered the illicit transaction and connected the suspects to the baby's buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was also detained with the suspects.

Head of the investigative unit for the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Abigail Ihonre, had a press conference in Benin City. She revealed that the baby was sold for N1.7 million and stated that the investigation to save the kid was still underway to find the buyer of the one-month-old infant.

According to Ihonre, “Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, the mother of the baby, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million. She has confessed to the crime of selling the baby.”

“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the buyers and the baby as the matter will be charged to court latest on Monday 26th, June 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.

“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are alleged drug addicts and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him. But that wasn’t the best option for them as the decision may destroy their lives.

“The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell but bring such to the office of Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking as we collaborate with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs or take the baby to other agencies that take care of children. Selling that child is not a good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”