Imo State Police Command has arrested two suspected child traffickers and rescued two stolen children in separate operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Owerri by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, he said that in a strong display of professionalism, operatives rejected a ₦1 million bribe to ensure justice prevailed.
He said that detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbour’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri.
He said that investigations revealed that she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides
The PPRO said that the child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ududiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.
Similarly, he said that on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba express road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen 4-year-old child.
Okoye said that initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for ₦1.8 million.
According to him, in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a ₦1 million bribe, which was outrightly rejected.
The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child.
He said further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, and more arrests are expected adding that efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.
The PPRO said that the State Police Command remains committed 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.
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