Imo State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Emeka, from Abia State, in connection with the theft of a five-year-old boy. The arrest was made during a stop and search operation by officers of the Okigwe Divisional Headquarters.
According to DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, the child was stolen from his mother’s shop in Abia State. Initially, the suspect claimed the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her story raised suspicions.
The child’s quick thinking helped identify him as a missing person reported in Abia State. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had received N30,000 from a syndicate to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi State.
The arrest is a significant boost to efforts in combating child trafficking and organized crime in Imo State. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, and the suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.
The State Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma, urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure their children’s safety. The public is advised to be security-conscious, observe their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or contact the Imo State Police Command.
