The police in Ebonyi State have rescued an 11-year-old woman, allegedly kidnapped in Might 2026 by way of a kid trafficking syndicate.
Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi, instructed journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, mentioned the leap forward adopted months of sustained and discreet investigations into the woman’s abduction and the actions of the suspected trafficking syndicate.
He mentioned police operatives traced and arrested Nneka Ibekwe at Nkpor, Onitsha, Anambra, on 6 October over her alleged involvement within the crime.
Consistent with him, initial investigations printed that Mrs Ibekwe allegedly bought the woman from the syndicate in June 2026.
Mr Ukandu mentioned Mrs Ibekwe instructed investigators that she approached Benedicta Umeh, often referred to as Nwanyi-Okigwe, after finding out that she operated an orphanage and allegedly labored with welfare place of business officers to facilitate kid adoptions.
He added that Mrs Ibekwe claimed she had expressed passion in adopting a kid and was once requested to supply a consent letter from her church and a clinical certificates of health.
The police spokesperson mentioned Mrs Ibekwe additional alleged that she paid about ₦4 million to Mrs Umeh earlier than the kid was once passed over to her, including that the claims remained topic to additional investigation.
He mentioned the rescued woman was once secure, whilst efforts had been ongoing to reunite her along with her circle of relatives.
READ ALSO: Bauchi records 70 human trafficking cases, three convictions – NAPTIP
Mr Ukandu mentioned the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Hope Okafor, recommended the officials for his or her diligence and dedication to the investigation.
He mentioned Mrs Okafor confident the general public that anybody discovered culpable would face the legislation.
She additionally steered potential adoptive folks to habits right kind investigations and practice due procedure earlier than taking custody of any kid.
The police commissioner steered individuals of the general public to stay vigilant and promptly file suspicious actions involving kids to the closest police station.
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