September 17, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Abia State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cracked down on an illegal baby factory and child trafficking ring in Aba, arresting a 64-year-old suspect, Nnanna Michael.
During a raid on Michael’s residence at Abanafo Street, Ariaria, on Saturday, two pregnant women – Doris Nelson (23) from Gombe State and Ugochukwu Winner (21) from Imo State – were rescued.
Investigations revealed that Nelson, who gave birth on September 9, 2024, sold her baby to an unknown buyer the next day, while Winner is seven months pregnant and was being held captive.
NSCDC State Commandant, Usman Alfadarai, briefed journalists, stating that Michael, a father of four and former worker at a motherless home, confessed to harboring pregnant women, caring for them until delivery, and then selling their babies.
“Michael revealed that Doris Nelson was introduced to him by a contact from Abuja named Miracle, who brought her to his residence in Aba. After giving birth to a baby girl, Michael sold the baby for N1.1 million, promising Doris N500,000, of which she had already received N100,000.
“Further investigations revealed that Winner was introduced to Michael by Evangelist First Samuel, who resides in Aba but is now at large. The agreement was for Michael to purchase the baby after delivery and sell it to his potential buyers.
“Preliminary investigations further reveal that Michael has been in this illicit business for a long time, where he has been leveraging on his contacts from his previous work experience at a motherless home to find both buyers and sellers. Michael admitted to selling one baby last year and two babies this year before his arrest”.
Usman also noted that the case will be handled by National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, which is statutorily empowered to prosecute these offences, stating that the court would be the determinant of any further charges.
“On this note, we would like to make it very clear, that the NSCDC Abia State Command is committed to uncovering all individuals involved in this syndicated operation and we will continue to pursue Mr. Michael’s accomplices as we remain resolute in bringing all the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice and ensuring we put an end to such practices”, he said.
He called on parents to take responsibility for the proper upbringing of their children, as this case showcases the failure of some families in safeguarding their children from such criminal elements.
“We equally urge members of the general public to be vigilant and provide us with credible intelligence of any suspicious activities within their surroundings”, he urged Abians.
One of the culprits, Michael Nnanna, said, “I was keeping some girls in my house for their health and one is pregnant, so that after the birth, I will sell the baby. I have regretted this as it is not a good job to do.”
According to Miss Doris Nelson (23 years) from Gombe state, who said she lives in Abuja as a Baker, “When I was pregnant, I went to someone who directed me to Aba”
