The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Gabriel Ekpiri, for allegedly selling his nine-year-old son for N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).
The suspect, a unemployed native of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong, in Itu LGA, while confessing to the crime, blamed the devil and economic hardship for his action.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon in a statement on Tuesday, said Ekpiri was apprehended following the quick intervention of a squad on routine patrol.
The PPRO said; ”The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi has condemned the action, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, the PPRO informed.
“The Commissioner of Police has condemned the action of one Gabriel Okon Ekpiri of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu Local Government Area who sold his nine-year-old son for N400,000.”
In related news, a 48-year-old man, Anthony Igbinogun and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, have been arrested for allegedly selling their one-month-old baby to buy drugs.
Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking ETAHT apprehended the man and his 28-year-old lover alongside a friend, James Precious, who linked them with the baby’s buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Head of Investigation Unit, ETAHT, Abigail Ihonre who briefed pressmen in Benin City, disclosed that the infant was sold for N1.7 million.
According to Ihonre, the mother of the baby confessed to the crime, but they are yet to locate the child.
She said Joy delivered the baby in April 2023, but claimed that they could not take care of the boy, so they sold him.
Ihonre further alleged that the couple are drug addicts and they risk being sent to jail for seven years.
“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the baby and the buyers as the matter will be charged to Court on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.
“Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7 million.
“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 could destroy their lives. The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison,” she said.