Police in Ondo State have rescued a four-year-old girl and busted a child-trafficking ring spanning Ondo, Delta, and Anambra States.
The case began on February 3 when Sunday Kingsley of Alagbaka Extension, Akure, reported that his daughter, Jesinta, went missing while with her mother, Sunday Happiness.
Police spokesman Olusola Ayanlade said the case was transferred to the Monitoring Unit for investigation. The child’s mother and another suspect, Nneka Onah, were initially remanded by a Family Magistrate Court before being granted bail.
On July 9, Kingsley alerted police that his daughter had been sighted in Asaba, Delta State. Detectives from the Command’s Gender Desk Team recovered the girl and reunited her with her family.
The operation led to the arrest of Amaka Chukwuemeka, 30, who confessed to buying the child for ₦3.7 million. She said her friend, Chinaza Owoh, 38, linked her to Mabel Esimai, 58, who handed over the child with forged adoption documents.
Further investigation revealed that Esimai received the girl from Chioma Okechukwu, 37, with instructions to find a buyer.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal commended the Gender Desk Team for the operation. He ordered a wider probe to expose all members of the syndicate and ensure prosecution.
Lawal assured residents that Ondo State will not serve as a safe haven for traffickers or criminal networks.
