Police arrest doctor and parents over alleged newborn sale in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has taken into custody a medical doctor, a traditional birth attendant, and the parents of a newborn following allegations that the infant was sold for N2.5 million in Lagos.

Investigations show that the 28‑year‑old mother and her boyfriend decided not to keep the child after birth and began seeking people who could facilitate the sale.

The couple was reportedly linked to a prospective buyer in the Ikorodu area through intermediaries involved in the arrangement.

According to the findings, the pregnant woman was first taken to a traditional birth attendant for delivery, but complications arose during labour.

She was then transferred to a private hospital in Ikorodu, where a medical doctor—identified as the principal suspect—performed a Caesarean section that saved both mother and baby.

Investigators allege that arrangements to sell the child were finalized shortly after delivery within the hospital premises.

The baby was handed over to an unidentified buyer after payment of N2.5 million, while the suspected buyer remains at large.

Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, ordered the case to be transferred from Area E Command, Festac, to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry.

The case, involving allegations of conspiracy, child theft and human trafficking, is currently being handled by the Anti‑Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the SCID under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Dayo Akinbisehin.