The Niger State Police Command has arrested three suspects who allegedly conspired to buy a six-month-old foetus for ritual purposes, offering the pregnant woman a staggering N30 million.
The suspects—Martha Andrew, James Luka, and Johnson John—all residents of Minna, were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on February 17, 2025.
According to police reports, the trio attempted to lure the pregnant woman, a resident of Rafin-Yashi, Minna, into terminating her pregnancy in exchange for the huge sum. However, instead of falling for their ploy, the woman pretended to comply while secretly alerting the police.
Acting swiftly, police operatives tracked the suspects and arrested them near a hotel along Eastern Bye-Pass, Minna.
During interrogation, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that the suspects confessed to the crime. They revealed that they had been working for a buyer, identified only as “Gbege,” who is currently at large and had promised to pay N30 million for the unborn child.
“The suspects conspired among themselves and attempted to take a pregnant victim from the Rafin-Yashi area of Minna to one Gbege, who is presently at large. They lured the victim with a promise to pay her thirty million naira to terminate her six-month-old pregnancy for ritual purposes,” Abiodun stated.
The police have intensified efforts to track down and arrest Gbege, while the arrested suspects will soon be charged in court.
The case has sparked outrage among residents, with many calling for stricter measures against ritual-related crimes. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
