DNA Uncovers Britons Buying Nigerian Babies

DNA tests have revealed that desperate British couples are illegally procuring newborn babies in Nigeria and bringing them back to the UK using false documentation.

A former Oxford University lecturer and his wife are among 12 British couple investigated by police for trying bringing babies into the UK claiming they are their own, in breach of immigration law.

British High Commission in Lagos introduced compulsory DNA testing for Britons applying for a new passport for a newborn baby in suspicious circumstances.

When DNA samples did not match, officials in Lagos called in the Serious Organised Crime Agency to investigate.
Bharti Patel, Chief Executive of Ecpat UK, a charity that works with victims of child trafficking, said she believed that it was likely that many more cases would follow the introduction of DNA testing at embassies.

"It is encouraging to see these 12 being reported," she said.

The first of the 12 to come to court in Britain involved Simon Heap, 47, an academic expert in African studies, and his wife, Gladys Effa-Heap, 52, a nurse.


Source: Sunday Times London