12 children rescued as police arrest couple for ‘child trafficking’ in Abia

The Abia police command says its operatives have arrested a couple – Blessing Emebo and Sunday Emebo – for operating an unregistered home in their apartment at Ikot Ekpene road, in the Aba area of the state.

In a statement issued on Monday, Maureen Chinaka, spokesperson of the command, said operatives also rescued 12 children from the home on May 19.

Chinaka said the children, who are between two months and 14 years, are from different villages in Arochukwu LGA of the state.

The police spokesperson added that the rescued children have been handed over to the state ministry of women’s affairs for custody.

“Nine male children were found with the duo, which includes Ojiugo Caleb, 14; Christian Okoro, 12; Samuel Okoro, 13; Clinton Nkemakolam, 9; and Godwin Emmanuel, 10,” the statement reads.

“Others are Osinachi Nkemakolam, 6; Marvellous Emmanuel, 5; David Emmanuel, 7; and Testimony Emebo, 2 months old.

“The females among the children are Ogechi Nkemakolam, 9, Chinaza Okoro, 9, and Anointing Okoro, 7.

“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Umuahia, and will soon be arraigned in court at the conclusion of the investigation.

“The command is committed to ensuring the reduction of crime and criminality in the state, and so we advise the public to stay security-conscious and ensure children’s safety.”