The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the apprehension of Gabriel Ekpiri, a father accused of selling his nine-year-old son for the sum of N400,000 in the Itu Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest was made by the Quick Intervention Squad of the command, according to a statement by Odiko MacDon, the state’s Public Relations Officer.

During the interrogation, Ekpiri admitted to the crime and attributed his actions to the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

The Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi, condemned the act as barbaric and unacceptable, emphasizing the suspect’s confession and his blame on the influence of the devil and economic circumstances.

Two Deputy Commissioners of Police, DCP Baba Audu and DCP Lawal Mani, were recently promoted and commended by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, with a charge to maintain their commitment and effectiveness in their new roles within the state.