The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abia State have apprehended a mathematics teacher and another individual on allegations of attempting to traffic two teenage secondary school students in the state. The suspects, Ikechukwu Uduma and Enyiazu Goodwill, were paraded by the commandant, Paul Igwebuike, in the capital city of Umuahia following actionable intelligence provided by the command’s officers.
Prior to their arrest, Uduma worked as a staff member at a private secondary school in Umunna Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North local government area of the state. The two girls, Goodluck Nmesomachi (17) and Blessing Omini (16), had just completed their West African School Certificate Examination at the school.
Commandant Paul Igwebuike emphasized that the suspects had been under surveillance due to their suspicious activities. Once actionable intelligence was received, immediate action was taken to apprehend them. He revealed that the suspects had planned to transport the unsuspecting young school leavers to Lagos and subsequently to an unknown destination, but their plans were thwarted as they fell into the hands of law enforcement.
Further investigations unveiled that Uduma had engaged in trafficking young school leavers in the past, with the assistance of Enyiazu and Uduma’s sister, who is reportedly working in Ogun State, where the girls would make a stopover.
The commandant expressed deep concern over the traffickers’ attempt to perpetuate modern-day slavery in society. He vowed to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders to put an end to their illicit activities. Commandant Igwebuike urged parents, caregivers, and school authorities to take proactive measures to safeguard the girl child and minors from unsuspecting traffickers.
Assuring the public, Igwebuike stated that upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further scrutiny and prosecution. The recovered items from the suspects include a white Toyota Previa car with registration number MUS 226HK, as well as travel bags containing the personal belongings of the girls.
The arrest of the mathematics teacher and his accomplice is a significant step in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable young individuals in Abia State. The NSCDC’s proactive measures and collaboration with other stakeholders demonstrate their commitment to eradicating such criminal activities.