VICTOR DURUAMAKU ,Owerri 

 

The Imo State Police Command has smashed a child-stealing syndicate, rescuing a 20-month-old baby and apprehending four suspects.

 

The  rescued  baby, Chimamanda Joy—the daughter of 35-year-old visually impaired Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya from Amuri Omanze, Isu LGA, reunited with the mother

 

According to the command’s  Public Relations  Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the breakthrough came after an intensive investigation into a case reported by Mrs. Ekwennaya on April 8th, 2025.

 

In an official statement, DSP Okoye  said ” the sight  impaired  woman was deceitfully lured to Umuahia in  Abia State, with false promises of financial aid from a fake charity—a ploy by the syndicate to abduct her child.”

 

He  continued, ” acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the command  arrested two key suspects—Maria Nwaeze (63) of Ariam Oboro and Rejoice Odimba (29) of Ahai Eke—both from Abia State, in Aba” pointing out that their arrest provided crucial insights into the syndicate’s modus operandi.

 

The  official statement added  that  upon interrogation, the suspects provided actionable intelligence, leading to a follow-up operation in Aba.

 

On 27th May 2025 when  the operatives rescued the stolen child and arrested another suspect, Chioma Theresa (42) of Aboh Mbaise, Imo State.

 

It explained  that during questioning,one of  the suspect’s, Chioma confessed to buying the child for ₦1,500,000 from Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa, Aba South, Abia State who had falsely posed as a Social Welfare officer.

 

Further investigation revealed that the entire scheme was masterminded by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who are currently at large.

 

The couple orchestrated the deceitful invitation that led Mrs. Ekwennaya to Aba, exploiting her vulnerability under the guise of offering assistance.

 

Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been medically examined and safely reunited with her mother on 28th May 2025 after due documentation.

 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, assures the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children. He warned that there is no hiding place for criminals in Imo State and urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.

 

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