Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested one Onyinyechi Emeka, a 40-year-old woman, for trying to sell her sister’s child for N30,000.
Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement issued on Monday that the suspect was intercepted on February 7 at Okigwe en route to Ebonyi state with the five-year-old boy.
“On 7th February 2025, police operatives on stop-and-search duty in Okigwe intercepted Onyinyechi Emeka (40) of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, en route to Ebonyi state with a five-year-old boy. Investigations revealed that the child had been stolen from his mother’s shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, Abia state,” the statement reads.
“The suspect initially claimed the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her statements raised suspicion.
“The child, displaying remarkable awareness, provided his father’s phone number, leading to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia state.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had collected N30,000 from a syndicate that remains at large to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi state.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation to apprehend other syndicate members. The suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of investigations.”
Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police in Imo, said parents and guardians should remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.
