The arrest was confirmed by Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who shared details of the incident.
On October 1, at around 6:30 p.m., a tricycle driver (name withheld) reported to the Ekpan Police Station that while conducting his usual business, four women boarded his tricycle. When they reached the Effurun roundabout, two of the women got out, with one handing a newborn baby boy to the other two women remaining in the tricycle.
The driver overheard one of them mention that the balance for the baby had been paid and that they should notify her once they reached their destination. Acting swiftly, the driver diverted the two women, identified as Tessi Ikechukwu and Lauretta Akomen, along with the baby, to the Ekpan Police Station.
Further investigation revealed that 38-year-old Lauretta Akomen had purchased the baby for ₦2,000,000 from a traditional home in Port Harcourt, where teenage girls are reportedly kept and impregnated by men, after which the babies are sold to individuals seeking children. Akomen also admitted to taking medication to make herself appear pregnant.
The suspect led the police, including DPO CSP Aliyu Shaba, to the home of a woman named Gloria (surname unknown), who acted as an intermediary between Akomen and the traditional home. The suspects remain in custody, while a manhunt is ongoing for other accomplices.
