From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Anambra State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking ring operating in Onitsha and rescued 10 malnourished children in the process.
The police said they also arrested three suspects, including a fake medical doctor.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu disclosed the breakthrough at a press briefing yesterday, pointing out that the rescued children were between the ages of five to eight years.
“I am pleased to address you and Ndi Anambra today on yet another breakthrough in our commitment to protect vulnerable children and combat human trafficking in the state.
“Police operatives attached to 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, acting on intelligence-led investigations on February 15, arrested Mr Odinakachukwu Okorie, Ifunanya Ogbonna and a fake medical doctor, Mr Daniel Ikebuilo, and rescued 10 malnourished children in an apartment in Inland Town, Onitsha,” the police boss said.
He revealed that the police had been monitoring Okorie after receiving a report on July 28, 2024 about a missing six-year-old boy in the neighbourhood and another report on February 13 of a missing five-year-old girl in the same area.
“The operatives, having gotten enough evidence, quickly arrested him. During interrogation, the suspect mentioned Ifunanya as part of the child-stealing syndicate.
“Further questioning led to the rescue of both missing children and the arrest of Ikebuilo. Before their arrest, Odinakachukwu and Ifunanya confessed to having perfected their plans to flee with the five-year-old girl to Abuja,” Orutugu said.
The police commissioner said Ifunanya also confessed to having sold the child for N1million to Mr Daniel.
In a related development, he said the police acting on intelligence, rescued eight other children in an apartment in Inland Town, Onitsha.
The police chief assured that the command has taken steps to ensure the well-being of the rescued children, and has sought the assistance of the state government for their custody and care.
The police commissioner commended community members for assisting the police to arrest the suspects and bust the criminal syndicate.
“This achievement highlights the importance of community-police collaboration and intelligence gathering in combating child trafficking,” he said.
Orutugu urged parents and guardians searching for their missing children to come forward and identify the rescued children for possible reunion.
