Imo State Police Arrest Suspected Child Trafficker; Rescue Missing Boy

Police in Imo State arrested 40-year-old Onyinyechi Emeka for suspected child trafficking during a checkpoint operation, rescuing a five-year-old boy previously reported missing. Emeka’s conflicting statements led to suspicion, and the child’s contact information confirmed his identity. Emeka was allegedly hired by a trafficking syndicate to deliver the boy to a buyer. The case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Police in Imo State have apprehended a 40-year-old alleged child trafficker, Onyinyechi Emeka, during a routine stop-and-search operation in Okigwe. This operation resulted in the rescue of a five-year-old boy, whose mother had reported him missing from her shop in Abia State. Emeka was caught while attempting to transport the child to Ebonyi and had claimed he was her sister’s son, but contradictions in her story raised suspicion.

The child played a crucial role in the investigation by providing his father’s phone number, which confirmed his identity as a missing person. Subsequent investigations uncovered that Emeka had been paid N30,000 by a trafficking syndicate to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi. The police have transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiries aimed at identifying other members of the trafficking ring.

Authorities have stated that Emeka will face legal consequences following the completion of the ongoing investigations. In light of this incident, the police urge parents and guardians to stay vigilant about their children’s safety and to promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. The police continue to work diligently to dismantle child trafficking operations in the region.

In conclusion, the arrest of Onyinyechi Emeka underscores the ongoing issue of child trafficking in Nigeria. The police’s swift response not only led to the rescue of a five-year-old boy but also highlighted the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities. The case illustrates the commitment of the authorities to tackle child trafficking and protect vulnerable children.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com