Police arrest woman in Delta for selling two‑month‑old baby

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman, Rita Ughale, of Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, following her incrimination in the alleged sale of her two-month-old baby.

She reportedly sold the baby boy to a couple, Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30), for the sum of ₦1,500,000.

The police public relations officer (PPRO) for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a signed statement made available to journalists in Warri on Friday, noting that both the seller and the buyers are currently in custody, “while the infant was successfully rescued and is safe.”

According to the police spokesman, “On December 15, 2025, at about 1840hrs, one Rita Ughale, female, of Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area, reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her two-month-old baby was snatched from her during a robbery incident while transiting 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.

“During the course of the investigation, inconsistencies and suspicious conduct observed in the complainant’s narrative 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 suspects were arrested, and the infant was successfully rescued and is safe. All suspects are currently in custody while investigation continues.”

The police added that efforts are being intensified to arrest other accomplices for prosecution.

In another development, the PPRO stated that on December 14, 2025, at about 0730hrs, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at the residence of one Lydia Osanebi, aged 67, of 14th Street, Otor-Edor, Ughelli, Delta State.

During the search, operatives recovered large quantities of dangerous chemicals suspected to include methanol, formalin and cochineal (carminic acid), alongside empty and newly printed seals and packaging materials of various brands of dry gin.

Also recovered were over 60 litres of suspected counterfeit and adulterated dry gin, super glue, stickers and shot glasses. The suspect was arrested and, during interrogation, voluntarily confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled original bottles for over 20 years.

Preliminary investigation revealed that methanol, one of the recovered substances, is highly toxic and capable of causing severe health complications, including organ failure, permanent blindness, coma and death. Investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of distribution and identify other persons involved.

In a separate operation, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided a residence in the Gana area of Sapele on December 18, 2025, at about 0805hrs, acting on credible intelligence.

The operation led to the arrest of Felix Africa, male, 44 years. A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the exhibits and confessed to engaging in the buying and selling of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured 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.”

The police boss advised members of the public to “desist from engaging in illegal activities and to avoid the consumption of unregulated or suspicious products. Most importantly, citizens are further encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through the Control Room contact: 0803 668 4974.”