Police
The Police Command in Ebonyi has rescued an 11-year-old girl, allegedly abducted in May 2026 by a child trafficking syndicate uncovered by the command.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, said this to newsmen on Thursday in Abakaliki.
Ukandu said the breakthrough followed months of sustained and discreet investigations into the girl’s abduction and the activities of the suspected trafficking syndicate.
He said police operatives, on Oct. 6, traced and arrested Mrs. Nneka Ibekwe at Nkpor, Onitsha, Anambra, over her alleged involvement in the case.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that Ibekwe allegedly purchased the girl from the syndicate in June 2026.
Ukandu said Ibekwe told investigators that she approached Mrs Benedicta Umeh, also known as Nwanyi-Okigwe, after learning that she operated an orphanage and allegedly worked with welfare office officials to facilitate child adoptions.
He added that Ibekwe claimed she had expressed interest in adopting a child and was asked to provide a consent letter from her church and a medical certificate of fitness.
The police spokesman said Ibekwe further alleged that she paid about N4 million to Umeh before the child was handed over to her, adding that the claims remained subject to further investigation.
He said the rescued girl was safe, while efforts were ongoing to reunite her with her family.
Ukandu said the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Mrs Hope Okafor, had commended the officers for their diligence and commitment to the investigation.
He quoted Okafor as assuring the public that anyone found culpable would face the law.
She also advised prospective adoptive parents to conduct proper investigations and follow due process before taking custody of any child.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the nearest police station.(NAN)
