A 22-year-old woman, Blessing Chukwu, who was arrested by the operatives of the Abia State Police Command in Umuahia for allegedly selling her child, has confessed that she sold her daughter to raise money to train her siblings.

Chukwu, who said she already had four children, added that she had no husband to cater for them.

She said she was given N190,000, out of the N360, 000 that was paid for the illegal adoption of her baby, while the rest was used to settle her hospital bills. Southern City News learnt that she sold her baby girl after delivery in a private hospital in Okigwe, Imo State, three weeks ago.

The police operatives also arrested one Dr Kelechi Omende and his wife, Euphemia, who allegedly facilitated the illegal adoption of the baby in their hospital.

Although Dr Omende denied knowledge of the illegal adoption in his hospital, his wife claimed that the adoption followed due process.

Euphemia said, “One of the women that adopted the baby came with her file from the welfare saying l should inform her whenever there is a baby for adoption.

“When our patients complained that she could not take care of her baby, I called the welfare office to get someone to come and adopt the baby.”

A lady identified as Elizabeth Ukawa said she adopted the baby for her younger sister, Chinasa.

She wondered why they were arrested by the police, arguing that she went through the welfare office to adopt the baby.

“I filled a form at the welfare office in Okigwe after explaining my sister’s condition to them. They later called me to come and adopt the baby and I paid N650, 000 for the baby. So, I do not even know why we are here,” she said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Anthony Ogbizi, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

He said the suspects would be charged to court at the end of police investigation.