The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Joshua Simeon, for allegedly engaging in human trafficking.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in a statement released in Onitsha on Sunday.
According to Ikenga, the suspect was apprehended at Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area after police operatives from the Ogidi Area Command acted on credible intelligence.
The arrest took place on February 1 at around 4:00 p.m. while Simeon was allegedly attempting to escape with a five-year-old girl, identified as Nkemdilim Jacob.
The child had reportedly been taken from her home in Umuota Village, Obosi.
“The suspect had already boarded a commercial vehicle and was en route to an unknown destination when he was intercepted,” Ikenga stated.
He added that the suspect is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation to determine his motives and whether he is linked to a larger human trafficking network.
Efforts are underway to locate the girl’s parents or relatives to facilitate her safe reunion with her family.
The police reassured the public of their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, combating child abduction and trafficking, and ensuring the safety of all children in the state.