Police arrest 16 for ‘child trafficking’, rescue three babies in Gombe

The Gombe police command says 16 suspects have been arrested for alleged child trafficking in the state.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Mahid Abubakar, police spokesperson in the state, said members of the Barunde community reported the case to the command.

He said operatives who stormed the location discovered that the suspects were operating a “baby factory”.

He added that women are being kept at the factory for the purpose of giving birth and the newborns are sold to people in different parts of the country.

Abubakar disclosed that the operatives rescued three of the babies, while two others have already been trafficked to Lagos and Anambra.

During investigation, the police discovered that one of the babies was sold to a resident of Gombe through a social welfare worker, for the sum of N400,000.

Abubakar said the command also received a report that a parent sold her baby to the alleged traffickers, adding that there are also cases of rape of victims in the factory.

“This is a criminal conspiracy and child trafficking where one Khadija Manzo and 15 others were arrested following intelligence report received from Barunde community over the weekend,” he said.

“That sometime last year, one Khadija Manzo and 15 others were involved in selling babies to people in need.

“On receiving the report, detectives attached to Lowcost Division carried out investigation which led to the arrest of Manzo, and other suspects.”

The police spokesperson said during investigation, it was revealed that Manzo had allegedly sold two babies to one Ukamaka Ugwu on different occasions.

“Investigation shows that the said Manzo reportedly sold a child for N400,000 to one Tina Raphael,” he added.

“And she gave N200,000 to one Haruna Abubakar, who works with social welfare, Gombe, under the guise of making relevant certificate for proper handing over of the child.

“Yahaya Suleiman received the N200,000 from Manzo to give to Haruna Abubakar and he delivered the money.

“Ukamaka Ugwu bought two children and one is currently in Lagos and the other in Anambra, but the police is working to ensure safe return of the babies.”

He said the remaining suspects were apprehended for their involvement in the crime, adding that they would soon be charged to court.