The Imo State Police Command has arrested Onyinyechi Emeka, a 40-year-old woman, for allegedly attempting to sell her sister’s child for ₦30,000.
In a statement issued on Monday, Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed that police operatives intercepted the suspect on February 7, 2025, at Okigwe, while she was on her way to Ebonyi State with the five-year-old boy.
“On 7th February 2025, police operatives on stop-and-search duty in Okigwe intercepted Onyinyechi Emeka (40) of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, en route to Ebonyi state with a five-year-old boy. Investigations revealed that the child had been stolen from his mother’s shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, Abia state,” the statement reads.
The suspect initially claimed that the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her statements raised suspicion among the officers.
“The child, displaying remarkable awareness, provided his father’s phone number, leading to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia state.”
Further investigations revealed that Emeka had collected ₦30,000 from a child trafficking syndicate, which remains at large, to deliver the boy to a buyer in Ebonyi State.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation to apprehend other syndicate members. The suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations.”
Speaking on the incident, Aboki Danjuma, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.
