Abia Police Bust Alleged Child Trafficking Ring, Save 12 Children from Unregistered Home

 

A significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking has unfolded in Abia State, as the Police Command announced today the arrest of a couple allegedly running an unregistered motherless babies' home that served as a front for illicit activities. Crucially, the operation led to the immediate rescue of 12 vulnerable children, ranging from infants to teenagers.

According to a statement released yesterday, Monday, May 26, 2025, by DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Command's spokesperson, detectives from the Abia State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, swooped in on the apartment of Blessing Emebo (49) and Sunday Emebo (42) on Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba on May 19, 2025.

The couple was found in possession of the twelve children, whose ages span from a mere six months to fourteen years. Investigations revealed that these children were from various villages in Arochukwu, raising immediate red flags about their provenance and welfare.

The rescued children, now safe from potential harm, have been promptly handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for proper custody and care. Meanwhile, Blessing and Sunday Emebo are currently undergoing intense interrogation at the State CID Umuahia, with the Police stating they will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

The names of the rescued children underscore the human element of this vital operation: Ojiugo Caleb (14yrs, male), Christian Okoro (12yrs, male), Samuel Okoro (13yrs, male), Clinton Nkemakolam (9yrs, male), Godwin Emmanuel (10yrs, male), Osinachi Nkemakolam (6yrs, male), Marvelous Emmanuel (5yrs, male), David Emmanuel (7yrs, male), Testimony Emebo (2 months, male), Ogechi Nkemakolam (9yrs, female), Chinaza Okoro (9yrs, female) and Anointing Okoro (7yrs, female)

The Abia Police Command reiterated its commitment to reducing crime and criminality in the state, particularly those targeting its most vulnerable citizens. They issued a strong advisory to the public, urging heightened security consciousness and constant vigilance regarding children's safety.

"Do not leave children with unfamiliar persons, and report suspicious persons with children to the Police or use our hotlines via: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210003, 08079210005, in order to nip crime at the bud,” DSP Chinaka urged.

This successful operation serves as a crucial reminder that the fight against child trafficking requires constant vigilance from both law enforcement and the community.