ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE oF NAIJA)— The Imo State Police Command has rescued a 20-month-old baby girl, Chimamanda Joy, who was allegedly abducted from her visually impaired mother and sold for N1.5 million.
Vanguard reports that four individuals linked to the child trafficking ring have been arrested, while efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the child’s mother, Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya, a resident of Amuri Omanze in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State, was lured to Umuahia, Abia State, on April 8, 2025. She had been misled by a promise of financial assistance from a non-existent charity organization, an orchestrated deceit that led to the abduction of her daughter.
Following a comprehensive investigation by the Command’s X-Squad Unit, the police arrested two suspects Maria Nwaeze, 63, from Ariam Oboro, and Rejoice Odimba, 29, from Ahiaeke, both of whom hail from Abia State.
They were apprehended in Aba on May 23, 2025. During interrogation, both suspects provided valuable intelligence that helped uncover the workings of the trafficking network.
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On May 27, 2025, a follow-up operation led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of another suspect, Chioma Theresa, 42, from Aboh Mbaise in Imo State. Chioma confessed to having bought the child for N1.5 million from one Gabriel Amarachi, 41, of Ngwa in Aba South. Gabriel, who falsely claimed to be a Social Welfare officer, played a key role in the illicit transaction.
Further investigation revealed that the criminal plan was masterminded by a woman named Precious and her husband, who remain at large.
The couple reportedly devised the scheme, taking advantage of Mrs. Ekwennaya’s visual impairment and economic hardship.
“The rescued child was medically examined and has been safely reunited with her mother on May 28, 2025, after due documentation,” the police statement confirmed.
The police have pledged to intensify their efforts to track down all remaining suspects involved in the trafficking ring and bring them to justice.
They also issued a stern warning that crimes against vulnerable individuals, especially children, will be met with the full force of the law.