The Imo State Police Command has apprehended two women in Owerri for attempting to sell a kidnapped four-year-old boy for N2.7 million.
The child, who had been abducted in Abuja while selling vegetables, was transported to Owerri by the suspects in a bid to sell him.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the suspects have been identified as Joy Ugwu from Idah in Kogi State and Rosella Michael from Zamba, Abuja. A third suspect, believed to be a nurse, remains at large.
Okoye disclosed that the arrests were the result of a covert operation by the Command’s Scorpion Unit on April 14, 2025, around 6 p.m., as the suspects attempted to finalize the illegal sale.
He noted that the successful operation was a collaborative effort between the Imo State Police Command and the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja. Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja for continued investigation and legal action.
Okoye further stated, “The child, identified as Jaffa Umar and fluent in Hausa, was kidnapped in Abuja during his routine of selling vegetables. The suspects then transported him to Owerri, where they planned to sell him for N2.7 million. Fortunately, the boy was rescued and has since been reunited with his family.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reiterated the Command’s dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals and cracking down on child trafficking. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the emergency contact number 0803 477 3600.
