0
0
The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) has arrested a suspected child trafficker, Sunday Nomen, and rescued two stolen children.
The 42-year-old suspect, who hails from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, was apprehended in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.
While parading the suspect at the SASA headquarters in Onitsha on Monday, the agency’s spokesperson, Karen James, disclosed that Nomen is part of an inter-state child trafficking syndicate that specialises in abducting and selling children aged six months and above to interested buyers.
James said two children, aged three and eight, were rescued from the suspect after security operatives stormed the location.
According to her, the operation—carried out by operatives of SASA’s Onitsha branch—demonstrates the agency’s effectiveness in combating crime and protecting vulnerable residents across Anambra State.
“The suspect, identified as Sunday Nomen from Abakaliki, was apprehended in Nkpor in connection with child trafficking, following intelligence-led efforts by SASA operatives,” she said.
“An operative posed as a buyer for one of the children in his custody, and the suspect was arrested during negotiations.
“During interrogation, he confessed to purchasing the children for N3.5 million.”
She added that the suspect brought the children to Onitsha to meet an accomplice, identified as Mrs Uju, who allegedly introduced him to the illicit trade.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the children, aged between three and eight, were temporarily lodged in a hotel in Nkpor pending when the suspect would link up with his accomplices,” James said.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, SASA operatives tracked and arrested the suspect, leading to the rescue of the victims.
“The suspect will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka and will remain in custody as investigations continue to uncover other members of the syndicate.”
