The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of a woman who sold her two-month-old baby, the rescue of the trafficked infant, and the apprehension of suspects involved in the production of fake alcoholic drinks and illicit drug trafficking.
In a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations carried out by various units of the Command across the state.
According to the statement, on December 15, 2025, one Rita Ughale of Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her two-month-old baby had been snatched during a robbery incident while she was transiting in a tricycle. Acting on the report, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Labe Joseph, immediately mobilised operatives for a search and rescue operation.
However, during the investigation, inconsistencies in the complainant’s account raised suspicion, leading to further interrogation. The woman subsequently confessed that the incident was staged and admitted that she had sold her baby to Osas Omijie (39) and Judith Omijie (30) for the sum of ₦1.5 million.
The suspects were arrested, while the infant was successfully rescued and is currently safe. Police said investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest other accomplices for prosecution.
In another operation, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, acting on credible intelligence, on December 14, 2025, executed a search warrant at the residence of one Lydia Osanebi (67) in Otor-Edor, Ughelli. During the search, the police recovered large quantities of dangerous chemicals suspected to be methanol, formalin and cochineal, as well as empty and newly printed seals and packaging materials of various dry gin brands.
Also recovered were over 60 litres of suspected adulterated dry gin, super glue, stickers and shot glasses. The suspect reportedly confessed to producing and repackaging fake dry gin using recycled original bottles for over 20 years.
The Command warned that methanol, one of the substances recovered, is highly toxic and can cause severe health complications, including blindness, organ failure and death. Investigation is ongoing to trace the distribution network and other collaborators.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on December 18, 2025, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided a residence in the Gana area of Sapele. The raid led to the arrest of one Felix Africa (44), with eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp recovered from the premises. The suspect admitted ownership of the exhibits and confessed to dealing in Indian hemp and other illicit drugs. Investigation is continuing.
The Delta State Police Command, however, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, protecting public health and ensuring the safety of residents.
The Command advised members of the public to shun illegal activities, avoid unregulated products, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Control Room on 0803 668 4974.
