Anthony Igbinogun, 48, and Joy Umukoro, 28, were detained by the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking after they allegedly sold their two-month-old child to support their drug addiction.

The suspects were detained alongside their friend Precious James, 26, who provided evidence connecting them to the baby’s buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Abigail Ihonre, the Head of the Investigative Unit of the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking, gave a press conference in Benin City and revealed that the baby was sold for N1.7 million. She also said that the investigation to free the child and catch the buyer was still ongoing.

“Our investigations showed that the mother of the child, Joy Umukoro, delivered the infant in April 2023 and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their child for N1.7m,” Ihonre said. She admitted to committing the crime.

The investigation into the case is ongoing as we work harder to find the buyer and the baby because it will be brought up in court at the latest on Monday, June 26, 2023, to ensure that everyone responsible faces the consequences of their criminal behavior.

The suspects claimed they were unable to care for the baby, which is why they committed the heinous act. These people, who are said to be drug addicts, decided to sell the baby after realizing they couldn’t care for him.

“The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell them but bring such to the office of the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking as we collaborate with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs or take the baby to other agencies that take care of children. Selling that child is not a good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”

Umukoro, the mother of the child, claimed they received N700,000 for selling him to a willing buyer; N500,000 was paid in cash; N170,000 went to the agent who took them to the buyer; and the remaining N500,000 was spent on drugs.

She explained, “After having the baby, life got really tough. I asked my friend for help finding a buyer, and she gave me the link. Along with another woman, I flew to Port Harcourt and sold the infant for N700,000. The cause is the medication I take. In addition, I sent some money for maintenance to my other two kids and some more for my dad’s funeral.

Igbinogun, on the other hand, stated, “We stayed together and gave birth to the baby; the mother claimed she was unable to care for the child. She informed me that Precious James, a friend of hers, had located a buyer, and she had traveled to Rivers State to sell the child. Upon her return, she had given me N100,000.

They were all drug addicts, according to James, who facilitated the illegal deal, and they couldn’t care for the child.

“My friend said she sold the baby for N700,000 and used the money to buy drugs for me when she got back,” she continued.



source: https://samsunblog.com/2023/06/24/edo-man-and-lover-sell-baby-to-pay-for-hard-drugs/