Journalists Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Rosemary Nwaebuni went undercover to investigate a baby-selling syndicated in Nigeria.

Their shocking findings were revealed when Al Jazeera’s award-winning series, Africa Investigates continued with Nigeria’s Baby Farmers.

UNESCO first reported on cases of ‘baby harvesting’ in Nigeria in 2006.

“Here, childless marriages are sometimes seen as shameful, or even troubled by witchcraft,” says Anas.

“At the same time, single mothers are frowned upon and abortion is illegal. Legal adoption takes a long time, so some couples try a short cut.And some unscrupulous people match the unwanted babies with childless couples for money, against the law.”

Anas and Nwaebuni posed as a couple who have been unable to have a child in 12 years of marriage, and who are now being pressured to divorce by Anas’ parents.

Equipped with a secret camera, they visited private clinics and orphanages to find out how easy it is to buy a child illegally, with no questions asked.

They were offered a baby at Destiny’s Child orphanage in Ulakwo by Ada Ezeoyi, for $4,000 for a girl or $5000 for a male child.

They were also offered a baby by Basic Clinic and Maternity Home in Imo State, owned by Doctor Ohaeri.

A similar figure as at Destiny’s Child orphanage was requested for payment.

The journalists also exposed unethical medical practice by Akinbode Damilola, a so-called miracle doctor who operates from a pharmacy in Delta State offering bogus fertility treatments.

“We were not able to care for a stranger’s child ourselves, so we backed out of the deal,” revealed Anas.

“Our investigation has shone a light on parts of a sinister network.  It involves genuine doctors and cynical staff in orphanages, who will sell vulnerable children to the highest payer. We have passed our evidence on to the authorities so that justice can prevail.”

Watch the documentary here: