The Imo State Police Command has arrested a suspected child trafficker, Onyinyechi Emeka and rescued a stolen five-year-old boy in her custody.
Spokesperson of the command, Henry Okoye, said the suspect, aged 40, was apprehended on Friday, February 7, 2025 by the Commands operatives conducting a stop and search in Okigwe.
According to the PPRO, the suspect, who hails from Umuokwu Mbutu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, was en route to Ebonyi State with the boy.
When quizzed about the boy, she initially claimed he was her sister’s son but the inconsistencies in her answers raised suspicion.
Okoye further stated that investigations revealed that the boy who was stolen from his mother’s shop in Abia State, displayed a remarkable awareness by providing his father’s phone.
“On 7th February 2025, police operatives attached to the Imo State Command, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation in Okigwe, intercepted a suspected child trafficker, Onyinyechi Emeka, 40 years old, from Umuokwu Mbutu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State. She was en route to Ebonyi State with a five-year-old boy, later confirmed to have been stolen,” the statement read.
“Investigations revealed that the child had been stolen from his mother’s shop at No. 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.”