The lawyers, Peter Idowu Gbadegesin and John A. Adeyemo, said those involved in buying, selling or facilitating the transaction could face prosecution under child protection laws, regardless of the biological mother’s consent.
The case involves the alleged sale of the infant for ₦2 million, raising fresh concerns about child trafficking, the protection of vulnerable children and the legal responsibilities of parents and medical practitioners.
According to a report by LEADERSHIP, the baby was born on September 6, 2026, and the incident came to light on October 15 after the child’s grandmother, Mary Amos, reported the infant missing to the police in Ogunwade, Ido Local Government Area of Ibadan.
Police Arrest Mother, Health Centre Owner
Following the report, police arrested Cecilia Amos, the 23-year-old mother of the baby, and Dr Adelake Ebenezer, 40, owner of Ebepraise Health Centre in Ido, where the child was delivered.
Police investigations reportedly indicated that Ebenezer and another suspect, Hassan Oludunni, allegedly facilitated the arrangement to sell the infant to Odunayo Folawewo.
The suspects’ arrests followed concerns over the child’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
Child Rights Act Prohibits Sale of Children
Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Ibadan, Gbadegesin said the Child Rights Act 2003 prohibits the buying and selling of children, including transactions facilitated by intermediaries.
He cited Section 30 of the Act, which prescribes a 10-year prison term for anyone found guilty of buying or selling a child, including those who facilitate the offence.
The lawyer also argued that medical personnel and other individuals involved in the alleged transaction could face prosecution if evidence establishes their participation.
Adeyemo, in his remarks, said the Child Rights Act, as domesticated in Oyo State, protects children under 18 and guarantees their rights to life, dignity, welfare and protection.
He stressed that biological parenthood does not give a mother the legal right to sell her child, adding that the law must protect children from being treated as commodities.
According to Adeyemo, the alleged offence could also attract a prison term of not less than 14 years under applicable child trafficking legislation.
The precise charge and penalty, however, would depend on the applicable law and the facts established in court.
Oyo Women’s Affairs Ministry Says It Was Not Notified
Meanwhile, an official of the Oyo State Ministry of Women’s Affairs, who spoke anonymously, said the ministry had not been informed about the incident.
The official said the baby should have been brought to the ministry for care and support, explaining that the ministry has a facility for babies requiring such assistance.
She added that where a trusted family member is available to care for a child, the ministry must formally hand over the child to that person.
The case highlights the importance of reporting suspected child trafficking promptly and ensuring that vulnerable children receive appropriate protection through established legal and welfare systems.
