NAPTIP Seals Port Harcourt Maternity Over Alleged N13.5m Baby Sale

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed a maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over allegations of a ₦13.5 million baby-sale and child trafficking operation. The facility, located in the Elelenwo area, was reportedly run from a residential apartment and is considered one of the prominent healthcare centers in the oil-rich state.

NAPTIP, in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, arrested the facility's owner, an alleged facilitator, and another staff member following intelligence indicating the maternity was involved in procuring, selling, and transferring children unlawfully. The investigation was triggered by intelligence suggesting a criminal network engaged in child trafficking and illegal adoption was using the facility.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a Liberian national living in Belgium arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but took custody of three children within about a month. This raised questions about how the children were obtained. Intelligence also showed that around ₦13.5 million was involved in the transfer of the three children and other suspects linked to the operation.

NAPTIP's operatives, along with officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, conducted a coordinated operation at the facility. The premises were sealed to preserve evidence while investigations continue. Investigators are now working to identify the children's identities, biological and legal parentage, and the individuals involved in the alleged procurement and transfer.

The agency is also examining the potential involvement of medical personnel and other individuals who facilitated the activities. NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello, expressed concern over fraudulent activities of some maternity and healthcare facilities across the country, particularly the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in procuring children through criminal networks.

She vowed to widen the investigation to identify all those connected to the alleged operation, stressing that suspects would face the full wrath of the law. Bello urged the public to report suspected child trafficking, illegal adoption, baby-selling, and exploitation to NAPTIP.