The Imo State Police Command has successfully rescued a four-year-old boy who was allegedly stolen in Abia State. The suspect, a 40-year-old woman identified as Onyinyechi Emeka from Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, was arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation by officers of the Okigwe Divisional Headquarters.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, it was noted that the arrest took place when officers became suspicious of the suspect’s inconsistent statements regarding the child’s identity. Initially, she claimed that the boy was her sister’s son, but her conflicting accounts raised doubts, prompting further questioning.
The police report further revealed that the child had been taken from his mother’s shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, Abia State. The breakthrough in identifying the boy came when he provided his father’s phone number, confirming that he had been reported missing in Abia State.
According to Okoye, further investigation uncovered that the suspect had received ₦30,000 from an unidentified syndicate to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi State. The police are now working to track down other members of the criminal network involved in the illegal trade.
The police spokesperson noted that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to combat child trafficking and other related crimes in the state. He also stated that the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, in collaboration with other security agencies, had strengthened security measures, including the reinforcement of checkpoints, leading to notable progress in crime prevention.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Authorities are determined to apprehend other suspects linked to the crime, and the arrested woman will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, CP Aboki Danjuma has urged parents and guardians to be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of their children. He also advised the public to stay security-conscious, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to curb criminal activities in the state.
