The Imo State Police Command, through its X-Squad Unit, has uncovered a child-stealing syndicate, arresting four of its members and rescued a stolen 20-month-old girl.
The rescued baby identified as Chimamanda Joy is the daughter of a visually impaired 35-year-old Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya from Amuri Omanze in Isu local government area of the state.
The arrests followed an intensive investigation into a case reported by the mother, Mrs. Ekwennaya, on April 8th, 2025.
Police said Mrs Ekwennaya was lured to Umuahia in Abia State, with false promises of financial aid from a fake charity organisation, with a ploy by the syndicate to abduct her child.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Imo State Command, Henry Okoye made the disclosure through a statement he made available to newsmen on Thursday.
According to the statement, while acting on credible intelligence on May 23, 2025, detectives of the unit arrested two key suspects including a 63-year-old Maria Nwaeze of Ariam Oboro and Rejoice Odimba, 29 years old from Ahai Eke, both from Abia State, in Aba.
Police said their arrest provided crucial insights into the syndicate’s mode of operations.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects provided actionable intelligence, leading to a follow-up operation in Aba.
“On 27th May 2025 at about 1700hrs, operatives rescued the stolen child and arrested another suspect, Chioma Theresa (42) of Aboh Mbaise, Imo State.
“During questioning, Chioma confessed to buying the child for ₦1,500,000 from Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa, Aba South, Abia State who had falsely posed as a Social Welfare officer,” the PPRO said.
He added that further investigation revealed that the entire scheme was masterminded by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who were currently at large.
“The couple orchestrated the deceitful invitation that led Mrs. Ekwennaya to Aba, exploiting her vulnerability under the guise of offering assistance,” the statement said.
The Command stressed that efforts were underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been medically examined and safely reunited with her mother on 28th May, 2025 after due documentation.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aboki Danjuma, assured of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children.
He warned that there will not be hiding place for criminals in Imo State and urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.
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