Police arrest suspected child trafficker, rescue 5-year-old boy 

Police operatives in Imo state have arrested a suspected child trafficker, Onyinyechi Emeka, 40, during a stop-and-search operation in the Okigwe area of the state.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson , stated this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said officers also rescued a 5-year-old boy during the operation.

Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said Mr Emeka, from Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia state, was arrested on 7 February while travelling to Ebonyi with the child.

“Investigations revealed that the boy had been stolen from his mother’s shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, in Abia state.

“The suspect initially claimed the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her statements raised suspicion,” Mr Okoye said.

He said the child, displaying remarkable awareness, provided his father’s phone number. This led to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia.

Okoye stated further that investigations revealed that the suspect had received N30,000 from a syndicate to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi.

He said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiries to apprehend other syndicate members.

He added that the suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations.

 (NAN)