Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Three Others Over Alleged Sale of Newborn Baby for N2.5 Million

 Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Three Others Over Alleged Sale of Newborn Baby for N2.5 Million

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant and two other suspects over the alleged sale of a newborn baby for N2.5 million, as detectives intensify efforts to rescue the child and apprehend the buyer who remains at large.

LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant (TBA), and two other suspects for their alleged involvement in the sale of a newborn baby for N2.5 million.

The case, which was initially reported at the Area E Command in Festac Town, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, on June 1, 2026, for further investigation into allegations bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and child trafficking.

The investigation is being conducted by detectives attached to the Anti-Human Trafficking and Gender Unit under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin.

According to police sources, the baby's 28-year-old mother and her boyfriend allegedly decided not to keep the child and subsequently sought individuals who could facilitate the baby's sale after delivery.

Investigators revealed that the couple was linked to a prospective buyer in the Ikorodu area through intermediaries. The expectant mother was reportedly taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery but was later referred to a private hospital following complications during labour.

At the hospital, a medical doctor reportedly performed a successful Caesarean section, saving both mother and child. Police allege that shortly after the birth, arrangements were concluded within the hospital premises for the sale of the newborn to an unidentified buyer for N2.5 million.

The baby was subsequently handed over to the buyer, who is currently on the run.

A police source disclosed that efforts to trace the suspect have so far proved unsuccessful, as the address and telephone number provided by the alleged buyer were found to be false.

“The information supplied by the person who took the baby turned out to be non-existent. The address could not be traced and the phone number was incorrect,” the source said.

Further investigations revealed that although the child's mother initially consented to the arrangement, she allegedly received only N700,000 out of the agreed N2.5 million payment.

The matter reportedly came to light after the woman raised concerns over the unpaid balance. Non-governmental organisations subsequently became involved and alerted the police, leading to a full-scale investigation.

Police identified one of the principal suspects as a 31-year-old medical doctor who has been in practice for about four years. Another female suspect alleged to have facilitated the transaction, as well as the buyer of the baby, remain at large.

During a raid on a residence linked to the suspects, detectives reportedly discovered three young girls, two of whom were pregnant. The development has heightened suspicions of a wider baby trafficking operation, prompting additional arrests.

Several suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.

The Lagos State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to arrest all fleeing suspects, recover the missing child, and dismantle any criminal network connected to the alleged trafficking scheme.

The command added that those already in custody would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Police authorities reiterated their commitment to combating child trafficking and other crimes, assuring residents that all those found culpable would be brought to justice.