The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, arresting two female suspects and rescuing four children in Port Harcourt.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024.
She revealed that one of the suspects, Esther Anthony, from Rumukwachi Community in Port Harcourt, was apprehended after allegedly stealing the children from their home in the Swali Community, Bayelsa State.
Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also taken into custody for her involvement in the case.
According to the statement, the children, aged between one and thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt.
Anthony reportedly planned to hand them over to a nurse identified only as Loveth, who allegedly operates a maternity home.
The Managing Director of the guest house became suspicious of Anthony’s activities and insisted that the children’s mother be present before they could check out.
In response, Anthony left the premises and returned with police officers, falsely accusing the guest house manager of abducting the children and threatening her with a gun.
However, the guest house manager contacted the Choba Area Command, leading to Anthony’s arrest.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Anthony conspired with another individual, identified as Favour, to traffic the children from Bayelsa State.
Further investigations also linked Anthony to the theft of three other children from the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt. She allegedly sold these children to Loveth, the nurse operating the maternity home.
All suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and are currently in police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt. They will face charges upon the completion of investigations.
The rescued children have since been reunited with their families. In a video shared by Rivers journalist Allwell Ene, the eldest of the children narrated how Anthony had lured them, claiming she was taking them to her child’s birthday party.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating child trafficking and ensuring justice for victims.
DSP Iringe-Koko emphasized the need for vigilance and cooperation from the public to curb such crimes.
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