Edo Police Arrest Woman, Two Others Over Alleged Sale of Newborn Baby for ₦1.4 Million in Uromi
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a woman identified as Martina Dachung for allegedly selling her newborn baby for the sum of ₦1.4 million in Uromi, a town located in the Edo Central Senatorial District of the state. The arrest has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed concerns about child trafficking and illegal adoption networks operating within parts of the country.
The development was disclosed in an official statement issued on Saturday, January 10, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem. According to the statement, the arrest followed a report filed by a concerned resident, Ebhomien Matthew Asibor, who alerted security agencies after uncovering information suggesting that a newborn baby was about to be trafficked through an illegal arrangement.
Police authorities revealed that the report prompted swift action by operatives attached to the Iruekpen Divisional Headquarters, who launched an investigation into the allegation. This operation subsequently led to the arrest of Martina Dachung, who was alleged to have negotiated and received payment for the sale of her newborn baby boy.
Further investigations reportedly exposed a wider network connected to the transaction. ASP Ikoedem stated that the suspect later led police officers to two other individuals believed to have played key roles in facilitating the illegal deal. They include Matron Ighalo Grace, a staff member of Eguavon Medical Centre, Uromi, and another suspect identified as Oha Promise.
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In a portion of the police statement, the command explained that the arrests were made following credible intelligence and corroborating evidence gathered during the investigation. The police also confirmed that documentary and financial evidence indicating the payment of ₦1,400,000 for the baby was recovered during the operation.
Most importantly, the Edo State Police Command announced that the newborn baby boy was safely rescued and is currently under protective care, while arrangements are being made to ensure his welfare in line with existing child protection laws.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, condemned the alleged act and reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes involving vulnerable persons, particularly children. He emphasized that child trafficking, illegal adoption, and the exploitation of minors remain serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.
CP Agbonika further assured residents of the state that the police would continue to intensify efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and bring all those involved to justice, regardless of their professional status or social standing. He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, accurate, and actionable information to security agencies.
The suspects, according to the police, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, as authorities work to establish the full extent of their involvement and determine whether additional individuals are connected to the case.
The incident has generated strong reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing shock, anger, and concern over the increasing reports of child trafficking linked to economic hardship, social breakdown, and weak welfare structures. Others have called for stiffer penalties and stronger oversight of private medical facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the Edo State Police Command has reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining law and order across the state.