*Six Suspects Arrested as CP Orutugu Vows Crackdown on Traffickers
By Odita Sunday
The Anambra State Police Command has busted a major child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across Anambra, Enugu, and Lagos States, rescuing a three-year-old boy and arresting six suspects linked to the crime.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the breakthrough followed a petition lodged by the victim’s family on September 4, 2025, after their three-year-old son was declared missing.
Investigations revealed that the boy’s guardian, one Samuel Ibe of Umusiome, Nkpor Uno, had absconded with the child while the boy’s mother briefly visited her shop.
“Swift and coordinated police operations led to the arrest of the prime suspect, Samuel Ibe, whose confession opened the trail to other members of the syndicate,” the statement said.
The police further apprehended Agatha Ejeweh (35 years) and her teenage son, Ejeweh Chigozie Chidera (15 years), both relatives of the main suspect.
Following leads, detectives extended the operation to Enugu State, where one Angela Eze (30 years) was arrested for collaborating with Juliet Onah in arranging the transfer of the stolen child to Lagos.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives stormed Lagos and arrested one China Cosmas, recovering the stolen boy in the process,” SP Ikenga added.
The rescued child has since been reunited with his family in good health, while all suspects remain in custody pending prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, reaffirming the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on child trafficking and related crimes.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to criminal elements — Anambra State remains unsafe for any form of criminal enterprise,” the Commissioner declared.
The Command urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police formation for immediate action.