Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have rescued two children from their female abductors in two separate incidents, even as they rejected a ₦1million offer as bribe.
Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Henry Okoye disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday.
Okoye disclosed that on February 4th 2025, operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, a resident of Umuanyo Eziobodo in Owerri West local government area.
Odoh was apprehended for allegely abducting her former neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, three days earlier, on February 1, 2025.
The suspect was alleged to have abducted little Nzubechi while he was playing within the suspect’s house premises.
However, the child has been reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri.
In another development, police operatives on a routine stop-and-search operation on the Owerri-Aba express Road also nabbed a 45-year-old Eze Chika, a female resident of Obiokwara Umualoma in Ideato North local government area of Imo State for being in company of an abducted four years old boy.
Chika offered a bribe of ₦1million during interrogation to the police operatives to pave way for her release after admitting that she bought the child for ₦1.8million from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba, Abia State.
Okoye said, “On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s 3-year-old son, Nzubechi Ududiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.
“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ududiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.
“In a separate development on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba Express Road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen 4-year-old child. Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for ₦1.8 million.
“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a ₦1 million bribe, which was outrightly rejected. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child,” the police spokesman said.
Okoye added that further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, saying more arrests are expected as efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.
He expressed the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes.
Residents, especially parents, are also urged to stay vigilant, monitor their children closely, and report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or via 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.
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