Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman, Rita Ughale, from Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, over the alleged sale of her two-month-old baby boy for ₦1.5 million.
The suspect was arrested alongside the alleged buyers, Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30), while the infant has been rescued and is currently safe in police custody. Ejes Gist News reports that all suspects are being detained as investigations continue.
How the Alleged Baby Sale Was Uncovered
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the case initially came to light following a false report made by the suspect.
SP Edafe disclosed that on December 15, 2025, at about 6:40 pm, Rita Ughale reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her two-month-old baby had been snatched during a robbery attack while she was travelling in a commercial tricycle.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives for a coordinated search and rescue operation.
Confession After Police Investigation
The police said inconsistencies and suspicious elements were observed in the woman’s account during preliminary investigations. This development prompted further interrogation.
According to the police statement, the suspect later confessed that the robbery report was staged. She admitted selling her baby to a couple identified as Osas and Judith Omijie for the sum of ₦1,500,000.
The police confirmed that:
- The baby was successfully rescued
- The alleged seller and buyers were arrested
- All suspects are currently in custody
- Investigation is ongoing to identify other accomplices
Police Move to Arrest Other Accomplices
The Delta State Police Command stated that efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest any other individuals connected to the alleged crime.
The Command noted that the suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations, in line with extant laws on child trafficking and related offences.
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Police Bust Illegal Dry Gin Factory in Ughelli
In a related development, the police also announced the arrest of a 67-year-old woman, Lydia Osanebi, over the alleged production and distribution of adulterated dry gin in Ughelli, Delta State.
According to SP Edafe, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on December 14, 2025, at about 7:30 am.
Items Recovered From the Suspect’s Residence
During the search, operatives recovered:
- Large quantities of dangerous chemicals suspected to be methanol, formalin, and cochineal (carminic acid)
- Empty and newly printed seals and packaging materials of various dry gin brands
- Over 60 litres of suspected counterfeit and adulterated dry gin
- Super glue, stickers, and shot glasses
The suspect reportedly confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled bottles for over 20 years.
Health Risks Linked to Recovered Chemicals
Preliminary police investigations revealed that methanol, one of the recovered substances, is highly toxic.
The police warned that exposure or consumption of methanol-contaminated products can result in:
- Severe organ damage
- Permanent blindness
- Coma
- Death
Investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of distribution and identify other individuals involved in the illegal operation.
Police Arrest Drug Suspect in Sapele
In a separate operation, operatives of the Commissioner of Police – Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided a residence in the Gana area of Sapele on December 18, 2025, at about 8:05 am, following actionable intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of Felix Africa (44). A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the exhibits and confessed to engaging in the buying and selling of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.
Delta CP Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety
Reacting to the series of arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and public health across the state.
He warned residents against engaging in illegal activities and advised the public to avoid consuming unregulated or suspicious products.
The police boss further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Room contact: 0803 668 4974
