The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a three-year-old boy reported missing in September and arrested six individuals linked to a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across Anambra, Enugu, and Lagos states.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the investigation began after a complainant reported that her son had disappeared while under the care of Samuel Ibe of Umusiome, Nkpor Uno, as she briefly attended to her shop.
“Following the petition on September 4, operatives from the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, immediately launched an investigation,” Ikenga said.
“This swift action led to the arrest of Samuel Ibe, whose confessional statement helped uncover other members of the syndicate, including his mother, Agatha Ejeweh, 35, and his 15-year-old brother, Chidera Ejeweh.”
The investigation extended to Enugu State, where 30-year-old Angela Eze, collaborating with one Juliet Onah, was apprehended for attempting to transfer the child to Lagos.
Acting on intelligence, police operatives arrested China Cosmas in Lagos and successfully reunited the child with his family, Ikenga added.
Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu commended the operatives for their efforts and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Anambra remains unsafe for any form of criminal enterprise. We will continue to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” he warned.
All six suspects are currently in police custody and will face prosecution following the conclusion of investigations.
