Rita Odafe
The Imo State Police have apprehended four individuals suspected of child kidnapping: Ifeoma Anyanwu (41), Chibuzor Lucky (42), Isidore Ozioma (56), and Charity Kalu (24).
These suspects are believed to have abducted children for the purpose of selling them for profit.
The arrests were made by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri.
According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, the unit launched an operation based on targeted intelligence which dismantled the child trafficking ring operating along the Imo-Abia corridor.
“This syndicate was involved in the kidnapping of children from their unaware parents. Our efforts led to the recovery of three children, who were taken on July 4, 2024, from Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA.”
The detained individuals include Ifeoma Anyanwu from Oloko Ikwuano LGA, Chibuzor Lucky from Umuezeala Umuerim, Charity Kalu from Okono, and Isidore Ozioma from Umuhu Onicha, all hailing from various locations in Abia and Imo States.
“Investigations indicated that the suspects enticed the children into their tricycles while they were outdoors, then transported them to an undisclosed location in Aba where they were sold for 1,000,000 Naira,” he noted.
The spokesperson added that the suspects are currently being thoroughly investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, as police continue to search for other missing children.
