Security operatives in Cross River State have uncovered a deeply disturbing child trafficking ring operating a bizarre “fake pregnancy” racket. The operation has resulted in the rescue of a newborn baby and the arrest of four women involved in the syndicate.
The breakthrough occurred in Akpabuyo Local Government Area when operatives of the Cross River State Homeland Safety & Security Agency (HSSA) intercepted a commercial taxi at Maternity Junction.
Inside the vehicle, operatives discovered three women—Mary Solomon (42), Patience Akumuruk (46), and Juliet Efut (43)—carrying a newborn baby wrapped in a shawl.
Mary Solomon claimed she had traveled from Obubra to give birth at a private clinic in Akwa Ikot Effanga.
However, follow-up investigations led authorities straight to the clinic’s operator, Umoh Effiong Edet (popularly known as Glory), who was promptly arrested.
Upon her arrest, the clinic operator confessed to a highly sophisticated and manipulative scheme designed to deceive families and neighbors.
The four suspects have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) via the Operation Okwok office in Calabar for prosecution.
