Emmanuel Eke from Mbutu in Isaiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
The Imo State police have arrested a human trafficker and four baby factory suspects in Owerri.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, Austin Evbakharbokun made this known to journalists on Friday, June 26. He identified the human trafficker as Emmanuel Eke from Mbutu in Isaiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia.
Other suspects include, Nkasiobi Uchenna, 23; Ela David, 24; Blessing Nwabekee and old Oluchi Victor, 25.
The police Commissioner said the suspects were arrested after a report that Miss Ibuchi Okafor, 20, from Ihioma in Orlu local government area of Imo whose pregnancy was due for delivery absconded from her home and later returned without a baby.
He said the police began investigation into the matter after the girl’s parents reported the case to them - the investigation which revealed that Okafor was delivered of a baby boy at the home of Emmanuel Eke, who sold the baby to an unknown buyer.
Evbakharbokun further stated that his men stormed Eke’s place and discovered other ladies believed to be producing babies for him for sales purpose.
They were all rounded up by the police. The police boss added that in the course of investigation, Eke confessed to having sold the baby delivered by Okafor at the cost of N500,000.
He said investigation was still in progress, adding that the suspects would be charged to court for trafficking of children.
When interviewed, Eke told newsmen that the child trafficking business with name Divine Mercy Maternity in Isiala Ngwa was being run by his late wife.
Okafor also confessed that she was led to Eke’s place through one of the ladies that was arrested. She said she was given N50, 000 from the proceed of the sale of the baby boy.
The commissioner however, frowned at the development, saying the girls now get pregnant and go to other states to deliver with ulterior motive.