Cross River: Two Nurses, Female Soldier Arrested for Alleged Theft and Sale of Newborn Baby
Two nurses and a female soldier have been arrested in Cross River State over the alleged theft and sale of a newborn baby at a health centre in Akamkpa. Police say investigations are ongoing to recover the child and arrest the final buyer.
Authorities in Cross River State have arrested two nurses and a serving female soldier over the alleged theft and sale of a newborn baby in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The incident came to light after the baby’s mother, 19 year old Justina Valentine Boniface from Aningeje village, raised an alarm, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who reported the case on Friday.
Mother’s Ordeal
Boniface said she delivered a baby boy on August 12, 2025, at the Primary Health Centre, Aningeje, where she had registered for antenatal care. She alleged that while she was asleep after delivery, the nurses on duty identified as Ndifon Nelly Ekpu (45) and Obi Mary Baken (38) conspired to steal her child.
According to her, the nurses falsely informed her that the baby had died and was buried within the facility, but she later discovered this was untrue and immediately reported the matter to the police.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Police authorities confirmed that the two nurses were arrested and confessed to selling the baby to a buyer, identified as W/Sgt. Aisha Yakubu, a serving member of the Nigerian Army. The soldier has also been taken into custody.
The police added that efforts are underway to apprehend the final recipient of the stolen child and recover the baby.
