Charles Esther
Two nurses and a serving female soldier have been arrested in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, over the suspected theft and sale of a newborn baby.
The suspects were apprehended following a complaint by 19-year-old Justina Valentine Boniface from Aningeje village, who reported that her newborn had been taken shortly after birth.
Incident Details
Boniface gave birth to a baby boy on August 12 at the Primary Health Centre in Aningeje, where she had attended antenatal care.
She alleged that while resting after delivery, two nurses on duty, Ndifon Nelly Ekpu, 45, and Obi Mary Baken, 38, conspired to steal her child.
The nurses reportedly told Boniface that her baby had died and was buried at the facility, a claim later proven false.
Police Investigation and Confession
After discovering the deception, Boniface reported the matter to local authorities.
The police confirmed the arrest of the nurses, who admitted to selling the baby to W/Sgt. Aisha Yakubu, a serving soldier in the Nigerian Army. Yakubu has also been taken into custody.
Ongoing Efforts
Authorities are now working to trace the final recipient of the baby and ensure the child’s safe recovery.
