By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have smashed a notorious child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across Anambra, Enugu, and Lagos States, rescuing a three-year-old boy earlier declared missing and arresting six suspects connected to the crime.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the breakthrough followed a meticulous investigation by operatives attached to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka.
He explained that the incident occurred on September 4, 2025, when the complainant’s daughter left her three-year-old son in the care of one Samuel Ibe of Umusiome, Nkpor Uno, while she went to her shop, only to return and discover that both the child and the said Ibe had disappeared.
Prompted by the petition from the victim, the police immediately launched an investigation which led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Samuel Ibe. His confessional statement paved the way for the apprehension of other members of the syndicate, including his mother, Agatha Ejeweh (35), and his younger brother, Ejeweh Chigozie Chidera (15).
Further intelligence-based operations extended to Enugu State resulted in the arrest of Angela Eze (30), who reportedly collaborated with another suspect, Juliet Onah, in arranging the transfer of the stolen child to Lagos.
Following credible leads, police operatives advanced their search to Lagos, where China Cosmas was arrested and the missing child was successfully rescued. The child, who was found in good health, has since been reunited with his family.
All six suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, reacting to the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift and coordinated action, reaffirming the Command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements. He emphasized that Anambra remains unsafe for any form of crime, warning individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The CP further assured residents of continued police vigilance, improved intelligence gathering, and strengthened inter-state collaboration in tackling child trafficking, abduction, and related offences.
The Command also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, mindful of whom they entrust their children with, and to promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.
