In a shocking turn of events, a 33-year-old mother has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly selling her 18-month-old baby girl for N600,000 ($1,455) to repay an embarrassing bank loan. The lady, identified as Olaide Adekunle, was said to have been struggling to repay a microfinance loan and resorted to selling her baby to a yet-to-be-identified woman.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, the suspect, who hawks sachet water in Lagos, met a man who introduced her to the buyer of the child. However, when Olaide’s husband, Nureni Rasaq, found out about the incident, he reported the matter to the police, leading to her arrest.
The acting Commissioner of Police in the state, Babakura Muhammed, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Departments (SCIID) for further investigation and possible recovery of the baby.
The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of children and the dire economic situation in the country, leading to an outcry on social media. Many Nigerians have taken to Twitter to express their outrage, calling for stiffer penalties for individuals who engage in such acts.
It is important to note that selling or buying a human being is illegal under Nigerian law, and offenders can be punished with imprisonment. This case serves as a reminder of the need for better economic policies to alleviate poverty and reduce the risk of such incidents occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the sale of an 18-month-old baby for N600,000 has shocked Nigerians and drawn attention to the economic challenges facing the country. The police must ensure that justice is served in this case, and the government must take measures to tackle poverty and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Let’s hope that incidents like this are never repeated, and that every child is given the care and protection they deserve.
