The Imo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction and sale of a 20-month-old baby girl, Chimamanda Joy, the daughter of a visually impaired woman, Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya.
The arrest follows weeks of investigation by the Command’s X-Squad Unit, which busted a child trafficking syndicate operating between Imo and Abia states.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, the suspects used deception to lure Mrs. Ekwennaya from her home in Amuri Omanze, Isu Local Government Area of Imo State, to Umuahia, Abia State, under the pretense of receiving financial support from a fake charity organization.
“The victim, a blind mother, reported the case on April 8, 2025. She was tricked into traveling to Umuahia, where her child was taken away by the syndicate,” Okoye stated.
The police began an investigation and on May 23, 2025, arrested two suspects in Aba, Abia State—Maria Nwaeze (63) and Rejoice Odimba (29). Their confessions led to the arrest of another suspect, Chioma Theresa (42), from Aboh Mbaise, Imo State.
Chioma, during interrogation, confessed that she bought the child for ₦1.5 million from one Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa, Aba South, Abia State. Gabriel allegedly posed as a social welfare officer to gain Mrs. Ekwennaya’s trust.
Further investigation revealed that the operation was planned by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who are currently on the run. The couple allegedly organized the fake charity scheme used to abduct the baby.
On May 27, 2025, at around 5:00 p.m., police operatives rescued baby Chimamanda in Aba and arrested Chioma. The child was later medically examined and officially handed over to her mother by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, on May 28, 2025.
CP Danjuma expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the operation and reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
“There is no hiding place for child traffickers and other criminals in Imo State. We will continue to pursue and dismantle these evil networks,” he said.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police using the Command’s emergency contact numbers.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large. The police say the case highlights the dangers of deceitful schemes targeting vulnerable individuals and call for increased public awareness.
