Police officers in Imo State have apprehended a suspected child trafficker, Onyinyechi Emeka, 40, at a stop-and-search tactics in the Okigwe area of the state.
This was made available to the press by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, on Monday in a statement.
He stated that officers also saved a five-year-old boy during the tactical formation.
Okoye stated that Emeka, from Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia, was apprehended on Feb. 7 while moving to Ebonyi with the child.
“Investigations revealed that the boy had been stolen from his mother’s shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, in Abia State.
“The suspect initially claimed the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her statements raised suspicion,” Okoye said.
He highlighted that the child, revealing notable awareness, provided his father’s phone number, leading to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia.
Okoye buttress that investigations revealed the suspect had received N30,000 from a syndicate to hand over the child to a buyer in Ebonyi.
The case has been relayed to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for subsequent investigation in apprehending other syndicate members.
Okoye said the suspect will face prosecution at the aftermath of investigations.
The police spokesman persuaded parents and guardians to be observant in ensuring their children’s safety.
He ended by advising the public to be watchful and report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station within the country.
