The Imo State Police Command has apprehended two women suspected of attempting to traffic a young boy, identified as Jaffa Umar, who was kidnapped in Abuja.
The suspects, Joy Ugwu from Idah in Kogi State and Rosella Michael of Zamba, Federal Capital Territory, were caught by police operatives in Owerri on April 14, 2025.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the child was rescued during a covert operation led by the police.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the boy, who had been selling vegetables in Abuja, was abducted by the duo and transported to Owerri. There, they allegedly planned to sell him for N2.7 million before being intercepted by officers of the Scorpion Unit.
Okoye further stated that a third suspect believed to be a nurse, is currently on the run. “We uncovered a suspected child trafficking case involving two women who attempted to sell a four-year-old boy,” he said.
Thanks to coordinated efforts between the Imo State Command and the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja, the child has since been reunited with his family.
The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) in Abuja for continued investigation and prosecution.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding children and dismantling human trafficking syndicates.
He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities, emphasizing the use of the emergency contact line 0803 477 3600.
