CHUKA UBAH
The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued a three-year-old boy earlier reported stolen in Anambra State and arrested six members of a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across Anambra, Enugu and Lagos States.
On 4th September, 2025, following a petition from a victim, operatives attached to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Awka, commenced an investigation into the case. The petition detailed how the complainant’s daughter had left her three-year-old son in the care of one Samuel Ibe of Umusiome, Nkpor Uno, while she briefly went to her shop. On her return, both the child and the said Samuel were missing.
Swift investigative actions by the operatives led to the arrest of the said Samuel Ibe. Also, his confessional statement subsequently led to the arrest of his mother, Agatha Ejeweh (35 years), and his younger brother, Ejeweh Chigozie Chidera (15 years).
The Operatives further extended their investigation to Enugu State, where one Angela Eze, aged 30 years, was apprehended for collaborating with one Juliet Onah in facilitating the transfer of the stolen child to Lagos.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Operatives proceeded to Lagos State, where one suspect, China Cosmas, was arrested and the stolen child was successfully rescued. The child has since been reunited with his family in good health.
All the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD, has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, while warning criminal elements that Anambra State remains unsafe for any form of criminal enterprise.