The Abia State Police Command has arrested a couple for allegedly running an illegal child care operation suspected to be involved in child trafficking. The operation, carried out on May 19, 2025, resulted in the rescue of twelve children of various ages.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, and signed on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, officers acted based on credible information that led them to a residential apartment on Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba.
The apartment, which was reportedly functioning as an unregistered motherless babies’ home, was being operated by a woman named Blessing Emebo, aged 49, and her 42-year-old husband, Sunday Emebo.
The police said that the couple had twelve children in their custody at the time of the raid. The children, whose ages range from six months to fourteen years, are believed to have been taken from various villages in Arochukwu. These children have since been taken into the care of the Ministry of Women Affairs for proper shelter and welfare support.
“The suspects were found in possession of twelve (12) children, aged between six months and fourteen years, from different villages in Arochukwu. The rescued children have been safely handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for custody. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing,” the police stated.
Currently, the Emebos are being questioned at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia. Authorities say that once the investigation is concluded, the suspects will face charges in court.
The police also noted their determination to curb all forms of criminal activities in the state, especially crimes involving children. They urged members of the public to remain alert and protect children within their communities.
“Do not leave children with unfamiliar persons, and report suspicious persons with children to the Police in order to nip crime at the bud,” the statement said.
