By James Agberebi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 64-year-old man, Nnanna Michael, for his involvement in running an illegal baby factory and engaging in child trafficking activities in Aba, Abia State.
Michael, a resident of Obinkita Arochukwu, was apprehended on Saturday at his residence in Abanafo Street, Ariaria. The arrest followed a tip-off that led to the rescue of two women, Doris Nelson (23) from Gombe State, and Ugochukwu Winner (21) from Isi Nweke, Ihitte Uboma in Imo State.
According to the NSCDC Abia State Command, Nelson, who gave birth to a baby girl on September 9, 2024, sold her child for N1.1 million the day after birth, receiving just N100,000 of the agreed N500,000. Winner, who is currently seven months pregnant, was also found in similar conditions under Michael’s care.
At a press conference, NSCDC State Commandant Usman Alfadarai revealed that Michael, a father of four and former employee at a motherless home, confessed to the crime. He admitted to harboring pregnant women, assisting in their delivery, and selling their babies to prospective buyers. Michael revealed that he had been involved in this illicit business for some time, using his contacts from his previous work at the motherless home to source both buyers and sellers.
Michael’s involvement in the baby-selling operation began when he was introduced to Nelson by a contact from Abuja named Miracle. After Nelson gave birth, Michael sold her baby for N1.1 million. The investigation also uncovered that Winner was introduced to Michael by Evangelist First Samuel, who is currently at large. Michael had planned to buy Winner’s baby after her delivery.
Michael further confessed that he had sold one baby last year and two others this year before his arrest. The case will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further legal action.
The landlord of the apartment where Michael was staying was reportedly unaware of his activities and cooperated with the authorities during the investigation.
In his confession, Michael expressed regret, stating, “I was keeping some girls in my house for their health, and one is pregnant. After the birth, I will sell the baby. I have regretted this as it is not a good job to do.”
Both Doris Nelson and Ugochukwu Winner shared their stories, with Nelson admitting that her parents were unaware of her pregnancy, and Winner revealed that she had been connected to Michael by the mother of a classmate.
NSCDC Abia State Command has vowed to continue its efforts to uncover all those involved in this operation, urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking.