- Safiu Kehinde
Imo State Police Command have rescued two stolen children from two suspected child traffickers in separate operations.
The Command also confirmed the arrest of the suspects while reuniting one of the rescued children with the parents.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry.
According to the statement, the Command, in commitment to integrity and public safety, arrested the two suspected child traffickers with its operatives rejecting a N1 million bribe to ensure justice prevailed.
Recounting the operations that kef to the arrest, Okoye narrated how detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department had, on the 4th of February, apprehended a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri.
Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.
Following Eziobodo’s arrest, the child was reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ududiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.
The second operation, according to Okoye, was was carried out on the 21st of February by operatives of the Safer Highway Unit.
While conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba express road, the operatives reportedly apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen 4-year-old child.
She initially claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8 million.
In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect allegedly offered the officers a N1 million bribe, which was outrightly rejected.
The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child.
Further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, and more arrests are expected. Efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.
Okoye reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other organized crimes.
He urged residents, especially parents, to stay vigilant, monitor their children closely, and report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.