Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested Onyinyechi Emeka, a 40-year-old woman, for attempting to sell her sister’s child for ₦30,000.
Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, stated on Monday that the suspect was intercepted on February 7 at Okigwe while travelling to Ebonyi State with the five-year-old boy.
“On February 7, 2025, police operatives conducting a stop-and-search operation in Okigwe intercepted Onyinyechi Emeka (40) of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, en route to Ebonyi with a five-year-old boy. Investigations revealed that the child had been stolen from his mother’s shop at No. 22 Chimezie Street, Obohia, Abia State,” the statement read.
“The suspect initially claimed the boy was her sister’s son, but inconsistencies in her statements raised suspicion.
“The child, displaying remarkable awareness, provided his father’s phone number, leading to his identification as a missing child reported in Abia State.
“Further investigation uncovered that the suspect had collected ₦30,000 from a syndicate, still at large, to deliver the child to a buyer in Ebonyi State.
“The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further enquiries and efforts to apprehend other syndicate members. The suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.”
Aboki Danjuma, Commissioner of Police in Imo, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children.
