A 23-year-old woman, Miracle Johnson, has been accused of selling her six-week-old baby to buy a phone in Edo State.
Miracle allegedly sold the baby, Greatness, for N200,000 to an orphanage in Anambra State.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, described her action as a serious offence.
An indigene of Agenebode, in the Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, Miracle used part of the proceeds from the sale of her baby to buy a mobile phone.
The mother of two blamed her action on frustration and the inability of her husband to take care of her and her other children.
According to a report by PUNCH, Miracle said she was persuaded by one Mama Joy, said to be at large, to sell the infant and give the money to her husband to start a business.
“My baby was born on July 2. I sold her due to frustration. My husband was just struggling to provide for us.
“My friend (Mama Joy) said that since my husband was not taking care of me if I did sell the baby, I could give the money to my husband to start a business or buy a motorcycle.
“I sold her to an orphanage in Onitsha. The orphanage bought the child for N200,000. I just bought only a phone; I did not want to buy it, but she (Mama Joy) forced me to do so,” the newspaper quoted her as saying.
Miracle added that she regretted her action and had confessed to her pastor.
“I told my pastor what I did and that it was a mistake for which I would never forgive myself. So, my husband and I went to a police station to report. I know what I did was not good. I pray that my child will forgive me,” she said.
Mr Kokumo said the baby will be rescued and the suspect charged to court.
