Imo Police nab suspected child trafficker

From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

Imo State police command has arrested a suspected child trafficker in the state .

In a statement  by Imo State Police  Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), DSP  Henry  Okoye, he explained  that yesterday, Operatives of the command arrested Onyinyechi Emeka with a five- year -old  boy suspected to have been stolen during a stop and search along Okigwe en route to Ebonyi state.

The statement reads:” On  February 7, 2025, police operatives attached to  Imo State Command, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation in Okigwe, intercepted a suspected child trafficker, Onyinyechi Emeka, 40, from Umuokwu Mbutu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia state. She was en route  Ebonyi State with the five-year-old boy, later confirmed to have been stolen.

“Investigations revealed that the child had been stolen from his mother’s shop at 22,  Chimezie Street, Obohia, Abia state.

“ The  suspect initially claimed the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her statements raised suspicion. The child, displaying remarkable awareness, provided his father’s phone number, leading to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia State. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had collected ₦30,000 from a syndicate that remains at large to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi state.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation to apprehend other syndicate members. The suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations.”

“CP Aboki Danjuma urges Parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children. The public is advised to be security-conscious, observe their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the Imo State Police Command via: 0803 477 3600, 0814 802 4755”.