Uncovered: Lagos Factory Selling Newborns for ₦1 Million
By Wale Akinselure
Punch Newspapers
April 18, 2026
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry area of Lagos State, where newborns were allegedly being sold for up to ₦1 million each.
In a carefully coordinated overnight raid carried out from Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday, NSCDC officials rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children. Two suspects, identified as Joy Okeke (the chief operator of the facility) and Raphael Agwu, were arrested.
The Lagos NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, confirmed the operation, which followed approximately three weeks of surveillance. The building, described as having multiple rooms, housed the victims, most of whom were between the ages of 18 and 35. Of the 18 rescued women, 17 were still pregnant, while one had suffered a miscarriage.
How the Illegal Operation Worked
According to preliminary investigations, the facility recruited pregnant women, often vulnerable young women facing unwanted pregnancies, through offers posted on Facebook platforms related to adoption or financial support. The women were housed in the facility until they delivered.
Once a baby was born, the child was allegedly sold to buyers (reportedly childless couples or other interested parties) for as much as ₦1 million or more. In return, the biological mothers received payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1.8 million per child, depending on the agreement.
One of the rescued women told investigators that she had an agreement to receive ₦1 million, while another said she was promised ₦1.8 million. Raphael Agwu, who described himself as a housekeeper at the facility, reportedly admitted that the women were attracted by the promise of at least ₦1 million per child delivered. He claimed participants signed agreements and that the operation was intended to support childless couples and women with unwanted pregnancies.
Joy Okeke, the main suspect, claimed she ran an “adoption arrangement” and that the women came voluntarily. She stated she would only speak further in the presence of her lawyer in court. She also revealed that she had relocated to the Badagry location from Ikorodu in January in search of a larger apartment to accommodate the operation.
File Photo in the Original Report
The image accompanying the original Punch report is a file photo showing NSCDC operatives in tactical gear — wearing helmets, bulletproof vests, and holding rifles — standing in formation. It does not depict the actual raid or the suspects/victims in this case, but serves to illustrate the security agency involved in the bust.
Broader Implications
This latest discovery highlights the persistent problem of baby factories and child trafficking networks in parts of Nigeria, particularly in southern states. These operations exploit socio-economic vulnerabilities, poverty, and the desperation of both young mothers and infertile couples. Male babies are often said to attract higher demand and prices.
The rescued women and children are currently in NSCDC custody and are expected to receive necessary medical and psychological support. The suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially those involving social media recruitment for “adoption” or pregnancy-related financial offers.
This story is developing, and further updates are expected as the full details of the trafficking network emerge.
