LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- According to the Rivers State Police Command, its operatives have nabbed a kidnapping ring made up of four women for allegedly abducting and selling a four-year-old in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, disclosed this information in a statement issued today in Port Harcourt.
She stated that one of the suspects known by the victim had lured the infant to her accomplices.
The four female suspects identified to be between the ages of 19 and 26 were arrested while trying to transport the infant to Aba in Abia State.
The statement read: “The Rivers State Police have arrested one Victoria Okon, 23, Jessica Ndifreke, 26, Charity Samuel, 19 and Chinaza Daniel, 25, in connection with the abduction of a four-year-old boy, Unique Tan Timitoms at Afam. Victoria, who is known by the victim was said to have lured him to the other suspects.
“The suspects were eventually arrested while trying to transport their victim to Aba.
“Meanwhile, the victim has been reunited with his parents,” it added, even as it admonishes all residents of the state to be cautious in exposing their children to neighbours and friends they do not truly know.
Recalling an earlier related development, the spokesperson said two persons were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and trafficking a 15-year-old girl.
Iringe-Koko said the feat was achieved by detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The first suspect allegedly took the victim to Lagos State on 5 February, 2023 for prostitution.
She stated: “Detectives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested one Mary Samson in connection with the abduction and trafficking of one Favour Cleopas (f), 15 years old on the 29th January 2023.
“The suspect allegedly took the victim to Lagos State on 5th February 2023 for prostitution.
“Investigation revealed that the suspect conspired with one Blessing Christopher to send girls to one Christabel Christopher, who is into prostitution in Lagos State.
“Two victims earlier trafficked to Lagos by the suspect, Tari Paul (f), 16 and Blessings Temple (F), 16 have been rescued by detectives and are helping in the investigation.”