The Imo State Police Command has rescued a 20-month-old baby girl who was reportedly taken from her blind mother and sold for ₦1.5 million. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals believed to be involved in a child trafficking network. Officers are still on the hunt for more suspects who remain at large.
According to a press release from the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the baby’s mother, Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya, who lives in Amuri Omanze, Isu Local Government Area, was deceived into traveling to Umuahia in Abia State on April 8, 2025. She was told she would receive help from a charity group, but it turned out to be a trap. Her child, Chimamanda Joy, was taken during the visit.
After the report was filed, the police assigned the case to their X-Squad Unit for detailed investigation. On May 23, 2025, they arrested two women — 63-year-old Maria Nwaeze from Ariam Oboro and 29-year-old Rejoice Odimba from Ahiaeke. Both women are residents of Abia State and were picked up in the city of Aba. The information gathered during their questioning helped police trace other members of the syndicate.
A few days later, on May 27, 2025, police stormed another location and rescued the missing child. Another woman, Chioma Theresa, aged 42 and from Aboh Mbaise in Imo State, was arrested during the operation. She admitted that she bought the baby for ₦1.5 million from one Gabriel Amarachi, a 41-year-old man from Ngwa in Aba South. He had lied that he was a Social Welfare officer and had legal authority to hand over the child.
Further digging revealed that the crime was planned by a woman named Precious and her husband. The two are believed to be the leaders of the group and are currently on the run. Police say they took advantage of Mrs. Ekwennaya’s poor eyesight and financial struggles to carry out their plan.
“The rescued child was medically examined and has been safely reunited with her mother on May 28, 2025, after due documentation,” the statement confirmed.
