12 children rescued by police from woman who confesses to crime and is now in custody
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Police have announced discovery of a child trafficking syndicate in Imo and the rescue of 12 stolen children in a stop-and-search operation prompted by intelligence.
A statement issued by Imo Police Command spokesperson Henry Okoye said officers, during a stop-and-search operation on the Owerri-Aba Expressway, arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, 42, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Council with children suspected to have been stolen by her.
The arrest led to the discovery of a child trafficking network that exploits minors for street begging in Aba.
“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation,” Okoye narrated.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging.
“She further disclosed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed.”
As a result of the operation, Okoye added, 12 children between the ages of 5 and 13 were rescued.
He listed their names as Chinyere Nnaralaeze, 10; Favour Madufor, 13; Ugochi Pius, 13; Ifeanyi Pius, 9; Favour Timothy, 10; Solomon Ihechi Chinuike, 7.
Others are Chinaza Madufor, 10; Nneoma Timothy, 9; Promise Maduenyenwa, 5; Gospel Chibuike, 9; Chinedu Maduenyiwa, 11; and Chinonso Paul, 10.
According to Okoye, all the victims are from different communities in Ngor-Okpala Council, they are now in safe custody, and efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families.
He said the command requests members of the public who can recognise any of the rescued children or may have helpful information about their identities or families to come to the X-Squad Unit or call telephone numbers 0803 477 3600 and 0816 008 7155.
Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma condemned all forms of child trafficking and reaffirmed the commitment of the command to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child statewide.
The statement said investigations are ongoing and updates will be provided in due course.
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