I sell the children for GH¢35,000 - Woman arrested for operating baby factory

In a recent incident in Rivers State, a woman named Akudo Azoroh was arrested for operating a baby factory. During her confession to the police, Azoroh revealed that she sold the children for prices ranging between N1.4 million and N1.5 million, depending on the gender of the child. Earlier reports had mentioned that law enforcement officials had raided the child trafficking center located in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, where they successfully rescued six pregnant young women. These women, aged between 20 and 23 years, were being housed with the intention of trading their babies after giving birth.

During his first media briefing, the new State Commissioner of Police, Polycarp Nwonyi, shared this information and stated that Azoroh, along with her accomplice, was apprehended during the raid. While admitting to running the illegal business, the suspect claimed that she provided the babies to families who were unable to have children, and not to individuals involved in ritualistic activities. According to Azoroh, the pregnant women were already carrying a child when they approached her. She further mentioned that she paid the women between N800,000 and N900,000 based on the stage of their pregnancy when they sought her services, as well as the gender of the child delivered.

Azoroh stated, I have given out six children in the past, and I started the business three years ago. I do not have boys who impregnate the girls; they were already pregnant when they came to me, and they approached me willingly. I only give the babies to families without children, not to ritualists. The selling price ranges from N1.4 million to N1.5 million, depending on the baby's gender. Additionally, I compensate the mothers based on the stage of their pregnancy when they sought my assistance.

In conclusion, the arrest of Akudo Azoroh in Rivers State shed light on a distressing case of child trafficking and the operation of a baby factory. The rescue of the pregnant women and the subsequent investigation by the police revealed the extent of the illicit activities. The confession of the suspect provided insight into the pricing and distribution of the babies, with Azoroh claiming to cater to families without children rather than engaging in rituals. The case serves as a reminder of the need for stringent measures and continued efforts to combat human trafficking and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.