BIG STORY

48-Yr-Old Edo Man, 28-Yr-Old Lover Nabbed For Selling Baby To Buy Hard Drugs

Published

1 year ago

June 24, 2023

The Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking has confirmed the apprehension of a 48-year-old man, Anthony Igbinogun, and his girlfriend, Joy Umukoro, 28, for allegedly selling their two-month-old baby to fund their drug addiction.

The suspects were arrested with their friend, 26-year-old Precious James, who linked them up to the baby’s buyer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Briefing journalists in Benin City, the Head of the Investigative Unit of the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking, Abigail Ihonre, said the baby was sold for N1.7m, adding that investigation was ongoing to rescue the child and apprehend the buyer.

Ihonre said, “Our investigations revealed that Joy Umukoro, the mother of the baby, delivered the baby in April 2023, and conspired with her boyfriend to sell their baby for N1.7m. She has confessed to the crime.

“Investigation into the case continues as we intensify efforts to locate the buyer and the baby as the matter will be charged to court latest on Monday, June 26, 2023, so that everyone culpable is made to face the wrath of the law for their criminal activities.

“The suspects said they carried out the dastardly act because they couldn’t take care of the baby. These people are alleged drug addicts and when it was clear that they couldn’t take care of the baby, they decided to sell him.

“The penalty for trafficking is about seven years in prison. I urge those that can’t take care of their babies not to sell them but bring such to the office of the Edo State Taskforce against Human Trafficking as we collaborate with the Ministry of Gender and Women Affairs or take the baby to other agencies that take care of children. Selling that child is not a good option as the outcome may end you in prison.”

The baby’s mother, Umukoro, said they sold him to a willing buyer for N700,000, adding that N500,000 was paid cash; N170,000 was given to the agent that took her to the buyer, while the rest of the money was used for drugs.

She said, “After giving birth to the baby, life became very difficult and I approached my friend to help me with a buyer and she gave me the link. I travelled to Port Harcourt with another woman and sold the baby for N700,000. The drugs I take are the cause. I also sent some money to my other two children for upkeep and some others for my father’s burial.”

On his part, Igbinogun, said, “We stayed together and gave birth to the baby; the mother said she could not take care of the baby. She told me that her friend, Precious James, had found a buyer and she travelled to Rivers State to sell the baby and when she returned, she gave me N100,000.”

James, who facilitated the illegal deal, said they were all drug addicts and couldn’t take care of the child.

“My friend told me she sold the baby for N700,000 and when she came back, she bought drugs for me from the money,” she added.

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Related Topics:Big story Crime Inside Edo

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BIG STORY

Alleged N110bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello, Other’s Bail Ruling To December 10

Published

2 hours ago

November 27, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to December 10 for a ruling on the bail application by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others.

Bello had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former governor, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are being prosecuted as the 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh N110bn 16-count charge instituted against them by the EFCC.

Bello, the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryanne Anenih as they were read out to them.

After taking their plea, the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved an application for bail.

However, the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October.

Clarifying the issue, the Defendant’s Counsel stated that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22.

Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.

Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

The EFCC had filed an N110bn alleged fraud suit against the former governor.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Court Remands Yahaya Bello In EFCC Custody Amid Alleged N110bn Fraud Case

Published

5 hours ago

November 27, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has remanded Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello was arraigned on a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering on Wednesday.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

More to come…

Post Views: 61

BIG STORY

First Phase Of 10,800-Bed Hostel In LASU Ready — Tokunbo Wahab

Published

5 hours ago

November 27, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The first phase of a 10,800-bed hostel project at the Lagos State University (LASU) is now ready for inauguration, according to Tokunbo Wahab, former special adviser to the governor on education.

Wahab, who is now commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, describes the project as ambitious and transformative.

“ It remains one of the most ambitious and transformative projects undertaken during my time as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education,” he wrote on X.

“It was executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement which involves seven reputable investors.”

Wahab commended Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, for his leadership and continuous support.

“Proud of the work done here and to have been a part of this special one,” he added.

“Through the grace of God and the unwavering support and the dedication of the Lagos State Office of Public-Private Partnerships, the relentless efforts of the management staff of LASU, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and the cooperation of other key stakeholders, the first phase of this landmark project has now been completed.”

Wahab emphasized that the project showcases the state government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to address critical infrastructure needs in the education sector.

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