The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man and three others over an alleged attempt to sell his 16-month-old biological daughter for financial gain.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Unit, at a hotel in Obi, Obingwa Local Government Area of the state, on September 7, 2026.
The police said the child was rescued during the operation and subsequently handed over to the state Ministry of Women Affairs for protection and appropriate care.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed the development while briefing journalists on the achievements of the command since he assumed office on August 10.
Afolabi said the suspects had initially been transferred from the Central Police Station, Umuahia, in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and child trafficking.
He explained that preliminary investigation established that the child was the biological daughter of one of the suspects.
According to the commissioner, further investigation indicated that the alleged attempt to traffic the child was driven by the desire to make money.
The CP said, “The suspects had been transferred from the Central Police Station, Umuahia, in connection with alleged conspiracy and child trafficking.”
He added that the investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to traffic the child and determine whether other persons were involved.
The four suspects remained in police custody as investigators continued their probe.
The rescue has again drawn attention to the risks of child trafficking and exploitation, particularly where children may be exposed to abuse by persons expected to protect their welfare.
Meanwhile, Afolabi said the command had recorded more than 152 criminal cases and arrested over 220 suspects since he assumed office.
He disclosed that several of the cases had already been investigated and charged to court.
The commissioner also said the command had rescued nine kidnapped victims and recovered 101 rounds of ammunition and cartridges during the period under review.
According to him, six stolen vehicles, including tricycles and motorcycles, were also recovered, while two criminal networks were dismantled.
Afolabi further disclosed the rescue of a medical doctor allegedly abducted by armed men on August 19.
He said the doctor was forced into his vehicle before the abductors fled towards Imo State.
The commissioner explained that vehicle-tracking technology, combined with coordinated intelligence operations involving the Abia and Imo State police commands, enabled the police to locate the vehicle and rescue the victim in the early hours of August 20.
He said several persons allegedly connected with the abduction had been arrested, including individuals suspected of assisting in the movement or distribution of ransom money.
Afolabi said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network.
He assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the state.
The CP said the police would continue to strengthen its security operations, protect residents and ensure that persons suspected of committing crimes were brought before the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
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