Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have dismantled a child trafficking syndicate and rescued four children in the Rumukwachi Community near Port Harcourt.
The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, disclosing that a suspect, Esther Anthony, and an alleged accomplice were arrested in connection with the trafficking.
Iringe-Koko said the children, aged between one and 13 years, were lodged in a guest house, ready to be trafficked, before police intervened.
The statement reads: “The children, aged one to thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who runs a maternity home.
“The managing director of the guest house became suspicious of Esther Anthony’s activities and refused to allow her to check out with the children, insisting that the mother be present. Esther Anthony left, only to return with police officers, falsely claiming that the guest house manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a gun.
“However, the managing director contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony. Preliminary investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with a person named Favour to traffic the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State.
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“Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case. Notably, Esther Anthony was identified by another family as the same person who had previously stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth.”
The police spokesperson added that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would soon be charged in court.
“All suspects have confessed to the crime. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Port Harcourt, and the suspects are currently in police custody.
“They will be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation,” she added.
She also stated that the case highlights the ongoing efforts of the State Police Command to combat child trafficking and ensure justice for victims and their families.
“Meanwhile, the children have been reunited with their family members,” the state police spokesperson added.
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