The Delta State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old baby and arrested the child’s mother alongside two other suspects for allegedly staging a robbery and child abduction to conceal the sale of the infant.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the incident was reported on December 15, 2025, at about 6:40pm by one Rita Ughale of Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
Edafe said Ughale reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her baby was snatched during a robbery attack while she was travelling in a tricycle.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives of the division and coordinated a swift search and rescue operation,” he said.
However, the police spokesperson disclosed that inconsistencies and suspicious behaviour in the complainant’s account prompted further interrogation, during which she confessed that the abduction story was fabricated.
“She confessed that she sold her two-month-old baby to one Osas Omijie, male, aged 39 years, and Judith Omijie, female, aged 30 years, for the sum of ₦1.5 million,” Edafe stated.
The suspects were subsequently arrested, while the infant was rescued and confirmed safe. All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other accomplices for prosecution.
In a separate operation, the Delta State Police Command arrested a 67-year-old woman for allegedly producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using dangerous chemicals.
Edafe said operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant on December 14, 2025, at about 7:30am at the residence of one Lydia Osanebi in Otor-Edor, Ughelli.
During the search, police recovered large quantities of chemicals suspected to include methanol, formalin and cochineal (carminic acid), alongside empty and newly printed seals, packaging materials of various dry gin brands, and over 60 litres of suspected counterfeit dry gin.
“Other items recovered include super glue, stickers and shot glasses,” Edafe said, adding that the suspect confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled bottles for over 20 years.
Preliminary investigations revealed that methanol, one of the recovered substances, is highly toxic and capable of causing organ failure, permanent blindness, coma and death. Investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of distribution and identify other persons involved.
Also on December 18, 2025, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested a suspected drug dealer during a raid in the Gana area of Sapele.
Edafe said the operation, carried out at about 8:05am, led to the arrest of one Felix Africa, aged 44, following the recovery of eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp from his residence.
“The suspect admitted ownership of the exhibits and confessed to engaging in the buying and selling of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs,” he said, noting that investigation is ongoing.
The Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, protecting public health, and ensuring the safety of residents. Members of the public were advised to avoid illegal activities and the consumption of unregulated products, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Control Room on 0803 668 4974.
