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.

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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.

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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.