The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, with the assistance of the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), has uncovered a child trafficking case involving one Mrs. Uchenna Precious, a self-acclaimed woman of God, and her accomplice, both non-indigenes residing in the state.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, disclosed that the case involved a young mother from Ukpor whose baby was allegedly sold for the sum of ₦2.5 million to a woman seeking to adopt a child through illegal means.
According to the Commissioner, the mother received ₦300,000 directly, while the remaining balance was retained by Mrs. Uchenna Precious.
Narrating the circumstances surrounding the incident, Mrs. Onyekesi explained that Mrs. Uchenna Precious had earlier accommodated the young mother after she was rejected by her family. However, rather than reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities, she allegedly took it upon herself to negotiate and facilitate the transfer of the infant to her sister without the involvement of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare or the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commissioner condemned the action, stressing that no amount of parental consent, private agreement, or informal documentation could legalise the sale or transfer of a child outside the provisions of the law. She emphasized that issues relating to child welfare, adoption, and custody must always follow due legal process.
Mrs. Onyekesi used the opportunity to issue a strong warning against child trafficking and all forms of child exploitation, reiterating that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards such crimes. She warned both residents and non-indigenes against engaging in activities capable of tarnishing the image of Anambra State, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner confirmed that Mrs. Uchenna Precious, the woman who received the child, and the child’s mother have all been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for thorough investigation and possible prosecution.
She commended the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) for its vigilance and timely intervention, which led to the discovery of the case.
Mrs. Onyekesi further reassured residents of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to protecting children across the state and urged members of the public to promptly report any suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption, or child exploitation to the Ministry, SASA, or the nearest Police station instead of attempting to resolve such matters privately.
