The Enugu State Police Command on Friday paraded one Peace Ndukwe, 32, and Ebere Eze, 48, for allegedly engaging in child stealing and trafficking.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Aliyu told newsmen that Ndukwe, a native of Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and Eze, who hails from Enugu State were arrested following an intelligence.
Aliyu said that the duo were arrested on March 10 and 11, 2021 through a combined effort of operatives attached to Aninri Police Division and Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to the police boss, one Edith Onyia had reported to the divisional police station about her missing child.
“She said that on March 8, 2021 at about 1900hrs, she went out to fetch water. On coming back, she realisedthat her 3 years old son, Chinagorom Onyia, was missing.
“Upon enquirer, her older son told her that one of the suspects, Ndukwe took his brother away under the guise of going to buy biscuits for him,” he said.
Aliyu said that the suspect upon her arrest confessed to the crime, adding that her confessional statement led to the arrest of the second suspect, Eze. who received the child and was shopping for a prospective buyer.
The commissioner said that the child had been rescued and re-united with his parents and that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.
Ikengaonline reports that no fewer than 37 other suspects were also paraded along with the two women for alleged conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and cultism.
The police commissioner said that the criminal activities occurred between February 12 and March 18, 2021.
Aliyu commended the synergy between the police and other sister agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Federal Road Safety Corps and the Neighborhood Watch Groups in the state which led to the arrest of the suspects.
The CP called on members of the public to continue to support the police by reporting criminal activities to the nearest police station in other to keep the state safer.
Items recovered from the suspects include 10 firearms, 4 live catridges, one magazine riffle, cars, motorcycles, India Hemps and Cocaine.
Others are 5 Automated Teller Machine cards, Television sets, laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, water heater, international passport and National ID Cards.
