The police in Delta State have uncovered no fewer
than 23 illegal orphanages where babies are
allegedly sold within the Warri and Asaba environs
of the state.
The police arrested 21 persons suspected to be
behind the illicit business, just as they recovered
six babies in the hideout of the suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state,
Mrs. Celestina Kalu, confirmed the development,
saying that the police, following a tip-off, have
rescued over 40 babies allegedly put up for sale at
various illegal orphanage in Asaba, Kwale and
Warri.
Kalu said, “Recently, the police uncovered a baby
factory behind NTA Asaba and arrested the
operators of the factory. The police also arrested
other 21 persons (male and female) suspected to
be running illegal orphanage homes in Warri
metropolis, their hideout was located at the
outskirt of Warri towards Udu where the police
uncovered an uncompleted buildings where the six
babies were discovered.”
She added that the suspects were currently helping
the police in the investigation.
Kalu said the suspects, upon interrogation,
confessed to the crime, saying they bought babies
from relations of mentally challenged persons and
took them to the home where they were sold.
SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that a six-month baby
was put up for sale for N2.5m, while those
between the ages of three and four years were
sold for N5m.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs.
Omosola Williams, while reacting, said “The state
government is very committed in the fight against
illegal orphanages and sale of babies. We will not
allow such to thrive in Delta State as we partner
with the law enforcement agencies, especially the
police, to bring culprits to book.”
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