Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, has dismissed reports claiming that she was arrested and detained by the police over the alleged sale of a newborn baby for ₦25 million, insisting that the infant is under lawful protective custody of her ministry.
The controversy stems from a petition filed by one Susan Nweze, a 29-year-old mother, and her family, who alleged that her newborn baby was sold in collusion with security agencies and the Ministry of Women Affairs. The family petitioned the Zonal Police Headquarters in Enugu, prompting the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) to summon all parties mentioned in the complaint.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki, Nwamkpuma clarified that she honoured the police invitation on Tuesday, August 19, and was directed by the AIG to return with the baby after verification. She stressed that contrary to media reports, she was never detained.
“I have been in my office working. I was never arrested. We only honoured an invitation from the police AIG, who requested to see the baby. We went with the child on Tuesday and were asked to return with him the same day. The baby is safe and with the Ministry of Women Affairs,” the commissioner explained.
She emphasised that the ministry is empowered by law to take custody of vulnerable children and denied any involvement in child trafficking. “No baby was sold. The Ministry did not conspire with anyone to sell any baby. The baby is in a government-approved home where he is being protected, and for security reasons, we cannot disclose the location,” she said.
According to her, the controversy arose because of conflicting claims regarding the child’s custody. She revealed that while the biological mother allegedly expressed an inability to care for the baby, the ministry had to step in, following due process, to ensure the child’s welfare.
“Before the police invitation, we were informed that a couple had requested the baby, claiming the mother could not take care of him. But the ministry does not rely on consent letters from mothers or third parties. Adoption is a legal process done only through the courts. We first must take custody and ensure the child is safe and medically fit before any further decision,” Nwamkpuma stated.
She assured the public that the ministry would continue to uphold child rights and work closely with security agencies until the investigation is concluded.