A three-year-old boy is said to have been kidnapped and sold for N450,000 by a banana seller identified as Chibuzor Eze in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria.
The suspect, who was said to be a family friend of the boy, hails from Umuifa village in Oru-East Local Government Area of the state.
A family source told The Punch that the boy was playing around the family compound at about 8am when she allegedly picked the boy and took him to Owerri.
According to the report, the suspect allegedly sold the boy to a man who paid her N150,000 upfront and promised to give her the balance later.
A lady, who is a member of the community, was said to have recognised the boy and raised alarm when she sighted the woman with him.
Eze and the alleged buyer were arrested and handed over to officers at Omuma Police Division in Oru-East LGA.
The boy’s grandfather, Benjamin Nkemakolam, expressed gratitude to God for his grandson’s rescue.
The elderly man was surprised that the banana seller, who he considered a member of the family, could harbour such evil deed against the family.
Also speaking, the boy’s uncle, Chigozie Nkemakolam, described Eze’s actions as surprising and embarrassing as “she had joined them to look for the boy she allegedly kidnapped.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in the state, Andrew Enwerem, when contacted, said he is yet to be briefed on the matter.