Mohammed Shosanya
The Rivers State Police Command has uncovered a child trafficking syndicate, arresting the prime, a female identified as Esther Anthony and rescuing four children from their hideout.
The rescued children were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, from where they would have been handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who runs a maternity home.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer for Rivers Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Guest House Manager out of suspicion refused to let the prime suspect check out with the children, demanding that the parents be produced.
Iringe-Koko stated that the suspect in her frantic efftort to escape with the children, rushed to o the Police claiming that the guest house manager had threatened her with a gun.
SP Iringe-Koko said:”Esther Anthony left and returned 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 Anthony had conspired with someone named Favour to traffick the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State.”
Iringe-Koko stated that another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case.
She added the prime suspect was however identified by another family as the same person who had stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth.
“All suspects have confessed to the crime,” SP Iringe-Koko said. “The case has been transferred to State CID, Port-Harcourt, and suspects are currently in police custody. They will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.”
The state police spokesperson noted that the case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Rivers State Police Command to combat child trafficking and ensure justice for victims and their families, emphasising that the children have been reunited with their family members.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to protecting the vulnerable and bringing perpetrators of child trafficking to justice.
“The Command is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to child trafficking to the nearest police station or through the Command’s hotline.”
