Owerri, Nigeria – In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Imo State, two women have been arrested by the police while attempting to sell a kidnapped four-year-old boy for ₦2.7 million in Owerri, the state capital.
The arrest, which took place on April 14, was the result of a covert operation carried out by operatives of the Imo State Police Command.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the suspects were apprehended just as they were about to carry out the illicit transaction.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Joy Ugwu, a native of Idah in Kogi State, and Rosella Michael from Zamba in Abuja.
Police say the boy had been kidnapped in Abuja where he was hawking vegetables, and then transported to Owerri where the suspects attempted to sell him.
“The operatives of the command acted on credible intelligence and arrested the two women in Owerri while they were trying to sell the kidnapped boy for ₦2.7 million,” DSP Okoye said in the statement.
According to police, a third suspect—reportedly a nurse who played a role in the scheme—is currently at large and being actively pursued. Authorities believe the nurse may have helped in facilitating the illegal transport and proposed sale of the child.
“The command is intensifying efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the criminal syndicate involved in child trafficking,” Okoye stated.
Preliminary investigations suggest the boy was lured while hawking vegetables in the streets of Abuja, a common means of livelihood for many children in Nigeria’s informal economy.
After abducting the child, the traffickers allegedly made arrangements to move him to Imo State where he was to be sold.
The Imo State Police Command has since reunited the rescued boy with his family, and further investigations are underway to determine if there are additional victims or accomplices involved.
Reacting to the incident, child rights advocates have decried the rising cases of child trafficking in Nigeria, calling for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and better social welfare systems to safeguard vulnerable children.
“This case once again highlights the urgent need to address poverty and insecurity, which are at the root of many child trafficking cases,” said Amaka Eze, a representative of the Nigerian Child Welfare Initiative.
“We commend the police for their swift action, but much more needs to be done to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place.”
DSP Okoye urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to child welfare and trafficking to the nearest police station.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Imo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and rights of all citizens, especially children, and promised to bring all perpetrators of child trafficking to justice.
