crime

Chukwuma Onwe Arrested for Selling Newborn Son

Published

1 year ago

October 12, 2025

Chukwuma Onwe has been arrested in Ebonyi for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for ₦1.5 million, according to the state police command

Chukwuma Onwe, a middle-aged man from Nwezenyi-Igbeagu Community in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been arrested for allegedly selling his five-day-old son for ₦1.5 million.

Also read: Katsina Police Arrests 168 Suspects in Crime Crackdown

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed Onwe’s arrest after a distress report from his would-be wife, Philomena Iroko, led to his capture. Iroko had alerted a neighbour, who immediately contacted the police upon discovering the shocking act.

According to SP Joshua Ukandu, the Police Public Relations Officer, the suspect was apprehended alongside the alleged buyer, Chinyere Ugochukwu, at the Azugwu area of Abakaliki on Friday. He revealed that the infant had been safely recovered.

“Yes, he, Onwe, has been arrested and is currently in our custody. We are going to commence an investigation into the matter,” Ukandu told journalists on Saturday in Abakaliki.

The heartbreaking case unfolded when Iroko realised her partner had deceived her into believing he gave their baby to his sister for care, only to discover the child had been sold.

“The man, who is yet to be my husband, took the child and lied to me that he gave the baby to his sister for further care,” Iroko said tearfully. “I did not know that the woman he gave my son to had already paid him in exchange for my five-day-old baby.”

She expressed deep gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force for rescuing her baby. “Thank God, my son has been recovered and he is healthy. I commend the police for their quick action,” she added.

Iroko, now left without financial support, appealed for public assistance to care for her child. “The father of my son told me that he would marry me, but he deceived me. Look at me — no husband and no one to take care of my baby. I beg the state government and individuals to help me,” she pleaded.

The incident has reignited concerns over child trafficking and baby sale rings across Nigeria. In a similar case earlier this year, police in Akwa Ibom State arrested a couple, Christiana Ibanga and Inyene Akpan, for allegedly selling their infant for ₦450,000.

Authorities say investigations into Chukwuma Onwe’s case are ongoing, with both the suspect and the buyer facing potential charges of child trafficking under Nigerian law.

Also read: Yobe State Police Command Busts ATM Fraud Syndicate

The Ebonyi Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable women and children, warning that those involved in such heinous acts will face the full weight of the law.

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

18 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

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The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.