64-Year-Old Man Arrested in Abia Over Alleged Child Trafficking

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abia State has arrested a 64-year-old man, Mr. Nnanna Michael, on suspicion of running illegal baby factories and engaging in child trafficking. Michael, a native of Obinkita Arochukwu, was arrested at his residence in Aba, following a raid on Saturday at Abanafo Street, Ariaria.

The NSCDC operation resulted in the rescue of two women, Miss Doris Nelson (23) from Gombe State, and Miss Ugochukwu Winner (21) from Isinweke, Ihitte Uboma in Imo State. Both women were allegedly held by Michael in connection with his illegal activities.

According to the investigation, Miss Nelson gave birth on Monday, September 9, 2024, and the following day, sold her baby to unidentified buyers. Meanwhile, Miss Winner, who is seven months pregnant, was also being held with plans to sell her baby upon delivery.

Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, the NSCDC Commandant in Abia State, revealed details of the case while addressing the media. He stated, “In his confession, Michael, a father of four and a former worker at a motherless home, admitted to sheltering pregnant women, caring for them until they delivered, and then selling their babies. Doris Nelson was introduced to him by a contact from Abuja named Miracle. After she gave birth to a baby girl, Michael sold the baby for N1.1 million, promising Doris N500,000, of which she received N100,000.”

The investigation also uncovered that Miss Winner was introduced to Michael by a man known as Evangelist First Samuel, who lives in Aba but is currently at large. The arrangement involved Michael purchasing the baby after delivery and selling it to potential buyers. The commandant noted, “Michael has been involved in this illegal trade for a long time, using contacts he gained from working at a motherless home to find both buyers and sellers. He admitted to selling one baby last year and two more babies this year before his arrest.”

Alfadarai further stated that once the investigation is complete, the case will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for prosecution. “Michael is currently living in a rented apartment, and while the landlord claimed ignorance of his activities, he cooperated fully with our investigation,” the commandant added.

The NSCDC is determined to dismantle the network involved in this illegal activity. Alfadarai emphasized, “We will continue to pursue Michael’s accomplices and ensure that all those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice. Our commitment to ending child trafficking remains unwavering.”

He also urged parents to take responsibility for the upbringing of their children, noting that the case highlights the vulnerability of young women in society. “This incident shows the failure of some families to protect their children from criminal elements. Parents must be more vigilant in safeguarding their children,” Alfadarai stated.

He called on the public to be alert and report any suspicious activities in their communities. “We encourage everyone to provide credible intelligence to help us in our efforts to stop crimes like this from happening,” he concluded