Following the arrest of a 38-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of a 19-year-old girl in Owerri, the Imo State Police Command foiled an attempt by suspected human organ traffickers.
The police encountered a suspected organ trafficking and kidnapping ring in the well-known Douglass neighbourhood of the state capital on October 10, 2024, after receiving information, according to ASP Henry Okoye, the public relations officer for the command, who briefed journalists on the development in a press release.
He said that although a 19-year-old girl, whose name is kept for privacy, was saved, Justine Emmanuel, a 38-year-old man from Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, was apprehended as a result of the operation.
“The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives on visibility patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs. During the chase, the victim managed to jump from the bus and was immediately rescued,” he stated.
The police spokesman further stated that the operatives engaged in a rapid chase, which resulted in the abandoning of the car and the arrest of one suspect, while others fled into the nearest forest.
He added that the command is already undertaking additional investigations to identify new members of the gang and analyse the full scope of their illegal operations.
He emphasised that the successful rescue demonstrates the State Police Command’s dedication to combatting violent crime and safeguarding community safety.
ASP Okoye utilised the opportunity to urge members of the public to be watchful and report any suspicious activity, stating that additional developments would be disseminated as the investigation progressed.