How Neighbour Trafficked Nigerian Woman’s Two-Year-Old Daughter to Italy, Asked Her to Move On

A Libya-based Nigerian mother, Alimat Idowu, has accused her neighbour, Janet Dare Titilayomi, of trafficking her two-year-old daughter, Michelle, from Tripoli to Italy without her consent.

Idowu, an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State, narrated that she had trusted Janet, also from Ibadan, to babysit Michelle while she worked. Over time, the toddler grew fond of the neighbour, who frequently cared for her, even taking her for outings and photo shoots.

But Idowu said her trust was shattered when Janet allegedly absconded with her daughter in July.

“She called me on Tuesday to say she had gone to Italy with my child,” the distraught mother told PUNCH. “I was shocked. I never gave her permission to take Michelle anywhere. She claimed she wanted to give my baby a better life, but I didn’t ask her to risk my daughter’s life crossing the Mediterranean Sea.”

According to Idowu, Janet later told her she should “move on without the child.” The mother, however, insisted she would not.

“That girl is all I have. I carried her for nine months and gave birth to her through a Caesarean section. I am ready to do a DNA test to prove she is mine,” she said, appealing to the Nigerian government and well-meaning individuals for help.

The mother added that her child’s father, who regularly spoke to Michelle via video calls, had been pressing her to bring their daughter home. A cousin in Italy has also begun liaising with lawyers and the Italian police to pursue the case.

Idowu dismissed rumours that she had health issues or gave consent for Janet to take her child abroad.

“I am not sick, I am not a prostitute, and I never agreed for my baby to be taken. Janet is lying. All I want is my child back,” she said.

Her greatest fear, she said, was that Italian authorities might place Michelle in the custody of social workers, cutting her off completely.

“I call on President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, and all Nigerians to help me. Please, bring my baby back to me,” she pleaded.