NAPTIP Closes Illegal Maternity Linked to N13.5m Baby Sale

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) sealed a residential apartment in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, suspected of being an illegal maternity facility operated by a child-trafficking syndicate. A statement from Vincent Adekoye, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, indicated that the operation, conducted in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, was based on intelligence regarding a network involved in the unlawful procurement and sale of children.

The facility's owner, identified as a facilitator in the alleged baby sale, along with another staff member, was arrested. Preliminary investigations revealed that a Liberian national residing in Belgium had taken custody of three children within a month without evidence of pregnancy, allegedly involving a transaction of approximately N13.5 million.

NAPTIP operatives are now conducting forensic inquiries to determine the identities and welfare of the children and trace the financial transactions related to their procurement. Binta Bello, Director-General of NAPTIP, expressed concern over the involvement of foreign nationals in these criminal activities.