Imo State Police Command has arrested 40-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Emeka from Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State with a five-year-old boy.
In a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the State command, DSP Henry Okoye, he stated that the woman was apprehended by officers of Okigwe Divisional Headquarters during a stop and search operation.
He said investigation revealed that the child was stolen from his mother's shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, Abia State.
Okoye hinted that the suspect initially claimed that the boy was her sister's son, but that the inconsistency in her statements raised suspicion.
"The child, displaying remarkable awareness, provided his father's phone number, leading to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia State.
"Further investigation revealed that the suspect had collected the sum of N30,000 from a syndicate that remains at large to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi State," the release stated.
The command's spokesperson narrated that the arrest of the suspect had helped to boost the ongoing efforts in combating child trafficking and other organized crimes.
He maintained that the State Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma, in collaboration with sister agencies had implemented proactive strategies, including the reinforcement of security checkpoints, which he stated had directly led to significant achievements in safeguarding the state.
Explaining further, Okoye disclosed that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation to apprehend other syndicate members, adding that the suspect would face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations.
"CP Aboki Danjuma urges Parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.
"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," the release further stated.
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