Three women have been arrested by policemen attached to the Ilemba Hausa Division of the Lagos State police command for allegedly running a baby factory in Lagos. The suspects identified as Regina Ibeto, 50, a midwife; Joy James, 33 and one Udoju Chukwuoju, were paraded yesterday at the command headquarters for selling a two weeks old baby boy. Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, while parading the suspects, expressed sadness over the incident.
He said: “On May 23, information was received that one Regina Ibeto, 50 years of age, of No. 96, Bunmi Ajakaye Street, Ajangbadi, use to induce pregnant women and when they eventually give birth, sells off the babies.“On the strength of the information, the DPO, Ajangbadi Division, CSP Musa Alim, led operatives to the compound where the said Regina was found administering intravenous injection (drip) to one Uju Nnamdi of No. 22, Imude Road, who claimed to be sick and five months pregnant. When search was conducted, a set of drip-water bags and other related drugs were recovered.
“On interrogation, Regina confessed that she is not a medical doctor but a traditional birth attendant. She stated that on May 18, one Bukky, about 17 years old was induced and she delivered a baby boy and she sold the baby to Udoju Chukwunoye, aged 45 of No. 83, Ojo-Igbede Road for N250,000.“The said Udoju was arrested, the baby retrieved and taken to the hospital, while Bukky the said mother of the baby, is being trailed for possible arrest. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing.”
Narrating their involvement in the crime, Joy James, said: “A friend of mine called Mama Bukky told me that her husband got her 16 years old daughter pregnant and they do not want to keep the baby boy. I felt for her as she added that her husband is very ill with diabetics and does not want any family shame. I contacted the midwife who delivered the baby. They couldn’t pay for the maternity and I recommended them to Madam Udoju, who said she will get somebody to adopt the baby. Madam Udoju gave N250,000 for the baby and she took the child away. I did not get anything from the money. I only did it to assist others.”
The midwife, Regina said: “I did not sell the baby. I only assisted them to deliver the baby boy. Sadly, after delivering, they said they did not have money to pay me. Mama Bukky said her husband is down with diabetics and they are looking for money for the treatment. They later told me they want to give the baby up for adoption and I should assist them. They gave up the baby for adoption and paid me. So it is not true that I am running a baby factory.”
