Couple arrested in Lagos for allegedly operating a baby factory (Photo)

A couple has been arrested in Lagos for allegedly operating a baby factory.

The couple – Adeola and Binta Adebayo – were arrested on Sunday between 6:10 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. by operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Ikeja following a tip off from a journalist.

According to state Police Commissioner, Edgal Imohimi, the suspects usually harboured young pregnant women at their 1, Treasure Palace Close, off Hand of Fair Bus Stop, Ikotun-Igando Road residence.

According to The Nation,Imohimi said the suspects usually sold the children after the young women had been delivered of the babies without the mothers’ consent.

The police commissioner said:

“They harboured young pregnant girls until they are delivered of their babies after which these babies are taken from them and sold without the consent of the young mothers. “During the raid, three young women were rescued. They were – Favour Osikwemeh, 19, (six months pregnant), Precious Emmanuel, 27, (seven months pregnant), and Onome Oputi, 25, (nine months pregnant).

“The victims will be handed over to National Agency for the Prohibition in Persons (NAPTIP) for care while the couple will be handed over for possible prosecution.” Speaking to journalists, Osikweme said a friend of hers, Lepa, introduced her to the place.

She said:

“I was not told it is a baby factory. I was staying with my friend called Lepa when she told me that her place is too small and offered to take me where I will be delivered of my child. “I have been there since December last year. The woman told my mum that I am working with her but we didn’t negotiate about payment for my child.” Emmanuel said she was worried after getting pregnant for a foreigner and was introduced to the baby factory by her sister. “My sister took me to the woman after I was impregnated by a foreigner. The woman then promised to settle me as soon as I was delivered of my baby,” she said.

However, the couple denied the allegation, insisting that they were only assisting the women, who in-turn helped them with their business.