The Imo State Police Command has arrested two female child traffickers and rescued two children in separate incidents, rejecting a ₦1 million bribe offered by one of the suspects.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to Okoye, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, on February 4, 2025, for allegedly abducting her former neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri. The incident occurred on February 1, 2025, at Umuanyo Eziobodo in Owerri West Local Government Area.
“On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides,” Okoye said.
He added that the rescued child has been reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ududiri, while further investigations are ongoing to arrest any accomplices.
In a separate case, police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road on February 21, 2025, apprehended a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika, from Obiokwara Umualoma in Ideato North LGA. She was found in possession of a four-year-old boy suspected to have been abducted.
“Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba, Abia State, for ₦1.8 million,” Okoye revealed.
Chika reportedly attempted to bribe the police officers with ₦1 million to secure her release, but the officers refused and proceeded with her arrest.
“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a ₦1 million bribe, which was outrightly rejected. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child,” Okoye stated.
He further explained that investigations are ongoing to uncover links to a wider child trafficking network, adding that more arrests are expected. Efforts are also underway to identify the rescued child’s biological parents.
The police spokesman reiterated the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to combat child trafficking and other organized crimes.
He urged residents, especially parents, to be vigilant, monitor their children closely, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the phone numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 08148024755.
