Delta Police arrest a woman over a baby sale after a staged robbery report, rescue the infant and detain the buyers for investigation

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested Rita Ughale, a resident of Kokori community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, for allegedly selling her two-month-old baby, police confirmed on Friday in Warri, Delta State.

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The arrest followed investigations into a report filed by Ughale on December 15, 2025, claiming that her baby had been snatched during a robbery while she was travelling in a tricycle.

According to the police, inconsistencies in her account led to further interrogation.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command said Ughale later confessed that the robbery story was staged and that she had sold the infant to a couple, Osas Omijie, 39, and Judith Omijie, 30, for ₦1.5 million.

The police said all three suspects are currently in custody, while the baby has been successfully rescued and is safe.

Investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to track other possible accomplices linked to the transaction.

The Delta baby sale arrest has drawn concern from residents, as the police reiterated their resolve to clamp down on crimes involving child trafficking and abuse.

In a separate operation, the command also arrested a 67-year-old woman, Lydia Osanebi, in Ughelli, after recovering large quantities of suspected adulterated dry gin and dangerous chemicals, including methanol, during a search of her residence.

Police said the suspect confessed to producing and repackaging fake alcohol for over two decades.

Another raid in Sapele led to the arrest of Felix Africa, 44, after operatives recovered eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp from his residence.

The suspect reportedly admitted ownership and involvement in drug trafficking.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured residents that the command remains resolute in protecting lives, public health and property, urging the public to report suspicious activities promptly.