The Imo State Police Command has apprehended two women who were allegedly attempting to sell a kidnapped four-year-old boy in Owerri for ₦2.7 million. The child had been abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables and was transported to Owerri before the suspects were intercepted.
The suspects have been identified as Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael from Zamba, Abuja. A third accomplice, said to be a nurse, is currently on the run.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye. He explained that the arrest was made on April 14 by operatives of the Scorpion Unit during a covert operation in Owerri, following credible intelligence.
According to Okoye, investigations showed that the young victim, identified as Jaffa Umar and fluent in Hausa, was kidnapped in Abuja and brought to Owerri, where the suspects were negotiating his sale for ₦2.7 million.
The successful operation was the result of joint efforts between the Imo State Police Command and the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja. The rescued child has since been safely reunited with his family.
The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja for further investigation and prosecution.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and dismantling trafficking syndicates. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency line: 0803 477 3600.
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