Police officers reject N1m bribe, arrest traffickers in stop-and-search operation
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Police officers have arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations in Owerri, after rejecting a N1 million bribe in one of the operations.
Imo Police Command spokesman Henry Okoye explained in a statement that the bribe was rejected to show a strong display of professionalism and ensure justice.
Okoye recounted that “On February 21, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search on the Owerri-Aba Express Road, apprehended one Eze Chika, 45.
“The suspect was found with a stolen four-year-old child.
“Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8 million.”
To evade arrest, Okoye added, the suspect offered the officers N1 million bribe, which they rejected and proceeded with the arrest and rescued the child.
Further investigation shows possible links to a larger trafficking network and more arrests are expected, he stressed.
Okoye also disclosed that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odo, for allegedly abducting her former neighbour’s son on February 4 while the kid was playing in the compound of his home.
“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.”
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes in Imo, urging urged residents, particularly parents, to be vigilant and monitor their children closely.
Okoye implored the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call any of the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 and 0814 802 4755.
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