The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against crime with the arrest of a woman who sold her two-month-old baby, the dismantling of a fake drinks production operation, and the apprehension of a suspected drug dealer with a large cache of illicit substances.
The most disturbing of the cases unfolded on December 15, 2025, when a woman, Rita Ughale of Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area, reported at the Ekpan Police Division that her infant had been snatched during a robbery while she was transiting in a tricycle.
The report triggered an immediate response as the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, swiftly mobilised operatives for a search and rescue operation aimed at recovering the missing child.
However, as investigations progressed, police detectives observed inconsistencies and suspicious elements in the complainant’s account, prompting deeper interrogation.
Under sustained questioning, the woman reportedly confessed that the alleged robbery was staged and that she had willingly sold her two-month-old baby.
Further investigation revealed that the infant was sold for the sum of ₦1.5 million to a couple identified as Osas Omijie, aged 39, and Judith Omijie, aged 30.
The suspects were promptly arrested, and the baby was successfully rescued unharmed and is currently safe under protective care.
Police authorities confirmed that all suspects involved in the child trafficking case are in custody, while efforts have been intensified to track down other accomplices connected to the crime for prosecution.
In a separate operation aimed at protecting public health, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Ughelli Surveillance Team, carried out a raid on December 14, 2025, at the residence of a 67-year-old woman, Lydia Osanebi, in Otor-Edor, Ughelli.
Acting on credible intelligence and backed by a valid search warrant, the team uncovered a large cache of dangerous chemicals suspected to include methanol, formalin, and cochineal, along with empty bottles, seals, stickers, and packaging materials of various popular dry gin brands.
Over sixty litres of suspected counterfeit and adulterated dry gin were recovered from the premises, alongside tools used for repackaging the products for sale to unsuspecting consumers.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to producing and repackaging fake dry gin using recycled original bottles for more than two decades.
Police noted that methanol, one of the substances recovered, is highly toxic and can cause severe health complications, including permanent blindness, organ failure, coma, and even death.
Meanwhile, on December 18, 2025, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, carried out another intelligence-driven operation in the Gana area of Sapele.
The operation led to the arrest of a 44-year-old man, Felix Africa, following a raid on his residence in the early hours of the day.
A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of eight bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, which the suspect reportedly admitted owning.
The suspect also confessed to being involved in the buying and selling of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as investigations into the network continue.
The Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, protecting public health, and ensuring the safety and welfare of all residents across the State.
Members of the public have been urged to shun illegal activities, avoid the consumption of unregulated products, and remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Room.
The developments were contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, from the Command Headquarters in Asaba.
