Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman, Rita Ughale, of Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, for allegedly selling her two-month-old baby for ₦1.5 million after staging a fake robbery to cover the crime.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the infant was rescued unharmed, while the seller and the alleged buyers—Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30)—are currently in custody.
According to the police, Ughale reported at Ekpan Police Division on December 15, 2025, claiming that her baby was snatched during a tricycle robbery. “Upon receipt of the report, the DPO, Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives for a swift search and rescue operation,” Edafe said. However, “inconsistencies and suspicious conduct” in her account prompted further interrogation.
“The complainant subsequently confessed that the report was staged and revealed that she had sold her child, aged two months, to one Osas Omijie, male, 39 years, and Judith Omijie, female, 30 years, for the sum of ₦1,500,000,” the statement added. Police said investigations are ongoing to arrest other accomplices.
In a related crackdown, Edafe said operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, on December 14, 2025, executed a search warrant at the Ughelli residence of Lydia Osanebi, 67, where they recovered large quantities of dangerous chemicals suspected to be methanol, formalin and cochineal (carminic acid), alongside seals, packaging materials and over 60 litres of suspected counterfeit dry gin. The suspect reportedly confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated gin with recycled bottles for over 20 years.
Police warned that methanol is highly toxic and can cause organ failure, permanent blindness, coma and death, adding that investigations are underway to trace the distribution network.
In another operation, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested Felix Africa, 44, in Sapele on December 18, 2025, after a raid yielded eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect allegedly admitted ownership and confessed to drug trafficking.
The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured residents that “the Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, protect public health, and ensure the safety and welfare of all residents of the State.”
He urged the public to “desist from engaging in illegal activities,” avoid unregulated products, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the Control Room on 0803 668 4974.
