Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have uncovered a baby factory in the Okuju, Ilado area of Badagry, Lagos. The facility was raided in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, leading to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children. The operators of the facility, identified as Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu, were arrested.
How the Baby Factory Operated
The victims, aged between 18 and 30, were recruited through a Facebook platform. They were promised payments ranging from N500,000 to N1.8 million in exchange for their babies upon delivery. The suspects lured pregnant women to the facility, where they were housed until they gave birth. The newborns were then sold to buyers, and the mothers were paid off.
NSCDC Commandant's Statement
Parading the suspects and victims before journalists, the Lagos State Commandant of NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, explained that the operation was based on three weeks of actionable intelligence. He stated, "They are operating a baby factory where victims are made pregnant. When the babies are delivered, they are sold. The suspects entice the victims who are pregnant to come and negotiate with them that when they deliver the babies, the babies will be taken from them and they'll be paid off."
Keshinro further noted that among the rescued victims, one had a miscarriage, leaving 17 currently carrying pregnancies. Additionally, there were other children at the facility who were also being negotiated for sale to interested buyers.
Next Steps for Suspects and Victims
The NSCDC boss confirmed that the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution, while the victims would be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care and rehabilitation.
Items Recovered
Items recovered from the facility include a pumping machine, generator set, standing fans, gas cylinders, burner, cooking pots, phones, mats, toiletries, baby skincare products, tableware, and assorted food items.
