Police rescue one-day-old baby from ‘human traffickers’ in Rivers

The Rivers police command says two suspected human traffickers have been arrested in Port Harcourt, the state capital. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson in Rivers, said the suspects were arrested along Igwuruta-Eneka road on Monday.

Iringe-Koko said the suspects hid the newly born baby with the placenta in a sack and were apprehended while delivering the infant to a woman identified as “Mama Destiny”.

She said the woman paid one of the suspects N10,000 to deliver the baby.

She named the suspects as 28-year-old Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem from Umuoye in Etche LGA, and Uzodinma Eze, also called ThankGod, 33, from Omanwa, Ikwerre LGA.

“On Monday, 22nd January 2024, diligent officers from the intelligence unit of the Rivers state police command conducted a routine stop and search operation along Igwuruta-Eneka road,” the statement reads.

”During the operation, their sharp instincts led them to intercept and question Daniel and Uzodinma, who were riding a commercial motorbike (Okada) from Chokocho, Etche, to Eneka.

“In the course of the search, the officers made a shocking discovery. Daniel was found carrying a sack bag that contained a one-day-old baby. The baby, still covered in blood, was struggling for breath inside the sack, with the placenta also found alongside.

“Promptly recognizing the urgency of the situation, the officers swiftly provided immediate medical attention to the infant, ensuring his safe transportation to the police hospital.

“The dedicated medical personnel at the hospital skillfully resuscitated the baby, who is now in stable health and receiving the necessary care.

“Following the apprehension, Daniel cooperated with the investigating officers and revealed crucial information about the criminal network involved in this abhorrent act.

“He disclosed that he had been contacted by a woman known as ‘Mama Destiny,’ a pastry vendor in his locality.

“Mama Destiny had enlisted his services to transport the sack bag containing the baby to Eneka junction, with instructions to await further contact from an associate who would receive the bag. In exchange for his involvement, Daniel was enticed with a payment of 10,000 Naira.

“Further revelations emerged through Daniel’s account. He explained that he was summoned to a location along Egbi Road to finalize the transaction. Accompanied by Mama Destiny’s husband, he was driven to Chokocho junction, where he met Uzodinma, the operator of the commercial motorbike they used for the delivery.

“Daniel, remorseful for his actions, admitted his culpability in the crime, attributing his involvement to greed and the influence of malevolent forces.”

The command commended the officers for their efforts in apprehending the suspects and urged the citizens to support the police with information on the investigation.