The Delta State Police Command has uncovered a fake kidnapping scheme involving the sale of a two-month-old baby and dismantled an illegal factory producing adulterated dry gin, following separate operations across the state.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the developments followed a report made on December 19, 2025, by a resident of Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Rita Ughale, who claimed her infant was snatched during a robbery while she was riding in a tricycle.
The report was lodged at the Ekpan Police Division and prompted an immediate search-and-rescue operation led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Labe Joseph.
However, Edafe said investigations revealed inconsistencies in the woman’s account. Under interrogation, Ughale allegedly confessed that the kidnapping was staged and that she had sold her baby for N1.5 million to a couple identified as Osas Omijie, 39, and Judith Omijie, 30. The couple were arrested, while the baby was rescued unharmed and placed in protective custody. Police said investigations were ongoing to uncover possible links to a wider child-trafficking network.
In a separate operation on December 14, 2025, police operatives uncovered an illegal alcohol production and repackaging facility in Ughelli. Acting on intelligence, the Eagle Net Special Squad searched the residence of a 67-year-old woman, Lydia Osanebi, at Otor-Edor, Ughelli.
Items recovered included large quantities of suspected toxic chemicals such as methanol and formalin, packaging materials of popular dry gin brands, and over 60 litres of suspected adulterated gin. The suspect reportedly admitted to producing and repackaging counterfeit gin for more than 20 years.
Police warned that the substances used pose serious health risks and said all suspects would be prosecuted as investigations continue.
