Imo Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Reject N1m Bribe Offer
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspects involved in separate child trafficking cases, including one who attempted to bribe police officers with N1 million to avoid arrest. The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, made these revelations in a statement issued on Thursday.
The first case, according to Okoye, involved the arrest of a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, from Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for the abduction of a three-year-old boy, Nzubechi Udodiri. On February 1, 2025, while the young boy was playing near his home, Odoh allegedly kidnapped him. After a thorough investigation, the police successfully rescued Nzubechi and reunited him with his relieved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Udodiri Michael. Authorities are still working to identify any potential accomplices involved in the abduction.
In a second case on February 21, 2025, officers from the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway, detained a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika, from Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA. Chika was found with a four-year-old child, whom she initially claimed as her own. However, she later confessed to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8 million.
In a desperate attempt to avoid arrest, Chika offered the police officers N1 million in bribes. The officers, however, rejected the bribe outright, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the law. The child was safely rescued, and further investigation revealed links to a broader trafficking network. More arrests are anticipated as authorities continue their investigation.
Okoye reiterated the Imo State Police Command’s dedication to combating child trafficking and other criminal activities within the state. He also urged residents, especially parents, to remain vigilant, keep a close watch on their children, and report any suspicious activity to the police to help in the fight against such crimes.
