Key Takeaways
- NAPTIP has sealed a Port Harcourt maternity facility over suspected baby trafficking.
- Involved in the case is a Liberian national living in Belgium, believed to be part of a broader syndicate.
- Multiple arrests have been made, including the facility owner and staff members.
PORT HARCOURT — The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has taken action to seal a maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, due to alleged involvement in the sale and trafficking of babies. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, leading to the arrest of the facility's owner, an alleged accomplice, and another staff member.
On Thursday, NAPTIP released a statement detailing that the action stemmed from actionable intelligence regarding a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating from this facility, located in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt. The agency noted that the facility was allegedly functioning within a residential apartment and was suspected of being a site for the procurement, sale, and unlawful transfer of children.
According to preliminary investigations, the Liberian national associated with the case reportedly arrived in Nigeria without any evidence of pregnancy but is said to have gained custody of three children within a month. This alarming situation raises serious questions about the operations and regulations surrounding maternity facilities in Nigeria.
Reports indicate that approximately N135 million might have exchanged hands in relation to the alleged transfer of these children and potentially other staff at the maternity facility. NAPTIP operatives from both Abuja and Rivers State joined forces with the Ministry of Health to carry out a coordinated operation, effectively sealing off the premises to secure evidence while investigations are conducted.
Investigators are currently pursuing forensic and documentary inquiries aimed at uncovering the identities and welfare of the children involved and confirming their biological and legal parentage. The ongoing investigation also seeks to identify all individuals connected to the procurement and transfer of the children and trace any financial transactions linked to these activities.
In a concerning statement, the NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, voiced her distress over illegal practices observed within some maternity and healthcare facilities across the nation, highlighting their involvement in illegal adoption, child selling, and trafficking. She stated, “I am particularly disturbed that foreign nationals now come to Nigeria to patronize these suspected criminal elements and procure children like a common object of trade across the border. This is sad and totally unacceptable.”
Bello assured that the agency's investigation would encompass all individuals allegedly involved in this exploitation, stating, “We have spread our dragnet to fish out all those involved in this case, and they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The DG reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the children affected, ensuring that justice is served for those implicated in this criminal enterprise.
Why This Matters
The child trafficking case in Port Harcourt underscores critical issues surrounding the safety and regulation of maternity facilities. NAPTIP's ongoing investigation is vital for safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring accountability for those preying on their innocence.