Four suspected child trafficking syndicates were arrested on December 14, 2016 following a tip-off from Regina Caeli Motherless/Destitute Home owned by one Mrs. Patricia Nwachukwu and located at Umorji community of Eziala Ogwu Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
Also, the Imo Police Command has arrested 25 notorious criminals terrorising the state and its environs.
The four suspects are Amarachi Nkwocha (20) from Ehime Mbano LGA, with six months pregnancy; Chioma Eze (26) from Otulu Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise Council Area (resides in Lagos) with seven months pregnancy; Opara Chinaza (16) from Umuezi Enyiogugu in Aboh Mbaise LGA, with four months pregnancy; and Tochi Bekee (19) of Abia State (living in Ikeja Lagos State) with five months pregnancy.
Also arrested was one Chidera Simon (23) of Eziala Nguru in Aboh Mbaise LGA, who was said to be an accomplice to Mrs. Nwachukwu, the owner of the home.
Briefing journalists, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, said the command operatives on December 4, 2016 at Umuerim Nekede in Owerri West LGA of the state arrested one Callistus Amaele (m) of No. 17, Nekede road, Owerri and Kingsley Nkemjika Odunze in connection with the stealing of a Toyota Sienna car.
He said, “The suspects had repainted the vehicle and had the number plate and the dashboard of the vehicle changed. Fake vehicle documents were also procured to conceal the owner’s identification.”
Lakanu said that on December 4, 2016 at Umuogwa Obazu Mbieri, one ThankGod Igwe (m) was arrested with one locally-made double barrel pistol by operatives of the command.
“Igwe was arrested after he had led a five-man gang to rob five families during which he shot one of the robbed on the left hand.
“Some of the stolen properties recovered from him are two motor bicycles and a plasma TV among others. He will soon be charged to court accordingly,” CP noted.
He said the arrests were in line with the determination of the state Police Command to wipe out crime and criminalities during the Yuletide, as signified by the declaration of ‘Operation Mkpochapu.’
Fielding questions from journalists, Kingsley Odunze confessed that both of them connived and snatched a Toyota Sienna car from the owner.
“We planned to sell it and use the money to lavishly celebrate the Christmas. How the operatives got wind of the information and arrested us is still surprising to us,” he said.
Another child trafficking suspect, Opara Chinaza, who could not identify who impregnated her, said that the plan was she would be “settled” after delivery by Mrs. Patricia Nwachukwu.
On how much she was to be paid after delivery, she said, “If it (baby) comes out, a baby boy, N300, 000 if otherwise, N200, 000.”
