20-month-old baby stolen from ehr visually-impaired mum rescued in Imo as police bust child-trafficking syndicate

The Imo State Police Command, through the diligent efforts of its X-Squad Unit, has bursted a child-stealing syndicate, arresting four suspects and rescuing a 20-month-old girl, Chimamanda Joy, the daughter of 35-year-old visually impaired Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya from Amuri Omanze, Isu LGA.

The breakthrough came after an intensive investigation into a case reported by Mrs. Ekwennaya on April 8th, 2025. She was deceitfully lured to Umuahia, Abia State, with false promises of financial aid from a fake charity—a ploy by the syndicate to abduct her child.

Acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the unit arrested two key suspects—Maria Nwaeze (63) of Ariam Oboro and Rejoice Odimba (29) of Ahai Eke—both from Abia State, in Aba on 23rd May 2025. Their arrest provided crucial insights into the syndicate’s modus operandi.

Upon interrogation, the suspects provided actionable intelligence, leading to a follow-up operation in Aba. On 27th May 2025 at about 5pm, operatives rescued the stolen child and arrested another suspect, Chioma Theresa (42) of Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. During questioning, Chioma confessed to buying the child for N1,500,000 from Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa,Aba South, Abia State who had falsely posed as a Social Welfare officer.

Further investigation revealed that the entire scheme was masterminded by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who are currently at large. The couple orchestrated the deceitful invitation that led Mrs. Ekwennaya to Aba, exploiting her vulnerability under the guise of offering assistance.

Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been medically examined and safely reunited with her mother on 28th May 2025 after due documentation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, assures the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children. He warns that there is no hiding place for criminals in Imo State and urges residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines. Further updates will follow.

DSP Henry Okoye, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
Imo State Police Command