Operatives of the Imo state police command reportedly arrested two child traffickers rejecting a 1 million naira bribe placed before them.
Disclosing this in a statement on Thursday was the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye.
“On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides. The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Udodiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.
“In a separate development on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba express road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen four-year-old child. Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m.
“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a N1m bribe, which was rejected outright. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child. Further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, and more arrests are expected. Efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting child trafficking and other crimes in the state.
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