Horror in the City: Lagos ‘baby factory’ selling newborns for up to N1.8m busted
•NSCDC operatives
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have uncovered a suspected baby trafficking syndicate operating from a residential building in the Badagry area of Lagos, rescuing 18 pregnant women and 10 children.
The late-night operation in Okuju, Ilado, led to the arrest of two suspects — Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu — believed to be running what officials described as a “baby factory,” reports Saturday Vanguard.
Inside the Operation
According to the NSCDC, the facility lured vulnerable women through Facebook, promising financial rewards in exchange for their babies after delivery.
Victims, mostly aged between 18 and 30, were reportedly paid between N500,000 and N1.8 million once their newborns were handed over to buyers.
Commandant Adedotun Keshinro said the operation followed three weeks of intelligence gathering.
“They entice pregnant women with offers. Once they deliver, the babies are taken and sold to waiting buyers,” he said.
Among the rescued victims, 17 are still pregnant, while one reportedly suffered a miscarriage. Several infants already in the facility were also allegedly being prepared for sale.
How the Scheme Worked
Investigations revealed that many of the women voluntarily enrolled after negotiating terms online.
Some arrived already pregnant, agreeing to surrender their babies in exchange for payment. Others reportedly brought along older children — also put up for sale.
One victim said she was promised N1 million, while another claimed she was offered N1.8 million.
“I got pregnant by an irresponsible man,” one woman said.
“This was the only option I saw.”
The women said they were fed, had access to phones and medical care, but were restricted from leaving freely.
“They told us we could leave anytime — but we wouldn’t be paid,” another victim disclosed.
Suspects Claim ‘Adoption’, Authorities Cry Trafficking
The prime suspect, Joy Okeke, denied wrongdoing, insisting the operation was simply helping childless couples adopt.
“We are giving children to people who don’t have,” she said, refusing to disclose financial details without her lawyer.
Her accomplice, Raphael Agwu, echoed the claim, arguing the scheme offered an alternative to abortion.
“Instead of aborting, they come to us, we care for them, and take the baby,” he said.
But authorities strongly disagree.
Keshinro described the operation as a “grievous crime against humanity,” confirming that the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
What Was Found
Items recovered from the facility include:
Baby care products
Phones and household equipment
Cooking supplies and food items
Mattresses and toiletries
Officials say the property may be demolished to prevent further illegal use.
Victims to Receive Support
The rescued women are to be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to track buyers, agents, and possible wider networks behind the operation.
