Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS) of the Lagos State Police Command yesterday arrested a couple for allegedly operating a baby factory at the Igando area of the state, rescuing three young pregnant females in the process.
The couple, Mr. Adeola Adebayo and his wife, Binta, were said to have been operating a baby factory where they harbour young pregnant girls until they deliver their babies.
After delivery, their babies are taken from them and sold off to the highest bidder without the consent of their young mothers.
Based on a tip off, operatives of the FSARS swung into action and stormed the location at No. 1 Treasure Palace Close, off Hand of Fair bus stop and picked the couple.
Confirming the arrest, the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, said, “I got credible information from a journalist and I detailed the FSARS to swing into action immediately.
“During the raid, three young girls were rescued namely; 19-year-old Favour Osikwemeh and 27-year-old Precious Emmanuel, both seven months pregnant, as well as 25-year-old Onome Oputi, who was nine months pregnant.
“The young girls will be handed over to National Agency for the Prohibtion in Persons (NAPTIP) for care while the couple will be handed over for possible prosecution. “
In their response, the couple denied any involvement in nuturing pregnant women and selling their babies.
Adebayo’s wife said, “One of the girls is my daughter-in-law and they have been living with us for over four years with my son.
“My daughter-in-law even has two children and they have also been living with us and I haven’t sold any of them to anybody.
“The other two ladies are people who come to help us sell things in my shop. I have a shop where we sell stuff. I don’t know why someone will accuse us of selling babies.”
One of the victims, Osikweme, who is seven months pregnant, said he was introduced to the baby factory by her friend called Lepa.
“Although I was not told it is a baby factory. I was staying with my friend called Lepa when she told me that her place is too small and will take me to where I will deliver my child.
“I have been there since December 2017. The woman told my mum that I will be working with her but we didn’t negotiate about payment for my child.”
Another rescued victim Emmanuel said she was worried after getting pregnant for a foreigner and was introduced to the baby factory by her sister.
“I was taken to the woman by my sister after getting pregnant for a foreigner. The woman then promised to settle me as soon as I deliver my baby’, she said.
