Police Officers Reject N1m Bribe, Arrest Two Suspected Child Traffickers, and Rescue Two Children in Imo
Imo State, Nigeria – February 28, 2025 – In a major breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking, operatives of the Imo State Police Command successfully rejected a bribe offer of N1 million and arrested two individuals suspected of being involved in child trafficking. The police also managed to rescue two children, ages 4 and 3, who were at the heart of these criminal activities.
The announcement was made by the Imo State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, in an official statement on Thursday, February 28, 2025. Okoye detailed the events surrounding the arrests and the efforts of the police in rescuing the children from potential harm.
The first major operation took place on February 4, 2025, when officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, from Umuanyo Eziobodo in Owerri West Local Government Area. Odoh was implicated in the abduction of a three-year-old boy, Nzubechi Udodiri, from his home on February 1, 2025.
According to the police, the child was playing in the compound of his family home when Odoh allegedly abducted him. She took the child from the premises without the knowledge or consent of the boy’s parents. After an intense investigation, the police were able to locate and rescue Nzubechi Udodiri, who was subsequently reunited with his family. The police investigation revealed that Odoh had a history of criminal activity, but authorities are still working to determine if there are other individuals involved in this abduction or if there are more victims linked to her actions.
The police spokesperson further revealed that authorities are pursuing additional leads to apprehend possible accomplices in the case. Odoh is currently in police custody and will face charges related to child abduction and trafficking.
In a related operation on February 21, 2025, operatives from the Safer Highway Unit were conducting a routine stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba Expressway when they intercepted a 45-year-old woman named Eze Chika from Obiokwara Umualoma in Ideato North Local Government Area. During the operation, Chika was found in possession of a four-year-old child who was suspected to be stolen.
Initially, Chika claimed that the child was hers, but after a thorough investigation, she admitted to having purchased the child from a child trafficking syndicate based in Aba for a sum of N1.8 million. Chika’s admission pointed to a larger network of traffickers operating in the region, possibly extending beyond Imo State.
However, in a brazen attempt to avoid arrest, Chika offered the police a bribe of N1 million, hoping to sway the officers into releasing her and the child. The officers, demonstrating commendable integrity, rejected the bribe outright and proceeded with her lawful arrest.
The child, who had been trafficked, was immediately rescued and handed over to the police for protection. Investigations into the trafficking syndicate are ongoing, with authorities looking into possible connections with other criminal groups. The police are also working diligently to trace the child’s biological parents, ensuring that the child’s identity and family background are properly verified.
DSP Okoye emphasized that the Imo State Police Command remains committed to its mission of eradicating child trafficking and other forms of organized crime from the state. He underscored that law enforcement will continue to intensify efforts to bring traffickers to justice and ensure the safety and well-being of children.
He also issued a strong message to the public, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and take proactive steps in safeguarding their children. Okoye called on the people of Imo State to be observant and report any suspicious activities to the police. He highlighted that community involvement is crucial in combating child trafficking and preventing such crimes from taking root in society.
In his statement, DSP Okoye said:
“We urge parents to be more cautious in monitoring their children’s activities. It is important to always know where your children are and who they are interacting with. If you see anything unusual or suspicious, please report it to the police immediately.”
He also noted that these recent arrests were just part of a larger effort by the police to fight trafficking networks that operate across various states. The police are working in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to disrupt these networks and put an end to the illegal trade in children.
One of the most notable aspects of these arrests was the rejection of the N1 million bribe by the officers. This incident has been widely praised as a demonstration of the professionalism and ethical conduct of the Imo State Police Force. In a time when corruption is often associated with law enforcement, this refusal to accept a bribe sends a strong message about the dedication and commitment of the officers to uphold the law and protect the public.
The officers’ refusal to be swayed by the bribe further underscores the high standards of integrity expected of police officers in Nigeria. The police leadership in Imo State has expressed its pride in the officers’ actions and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in the force.
Child trafficking remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with many children being abducted, sold, or trafficked for exploitation, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and illegal adoption. This problem is compounded by poverty, lack of education, and a lack of awareness in many communities.
The Imo State Police Command has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle these criminal activities, particularly child trafficking, which is a major concern for both law enforcement and child protection advocates. While significant progress has been made, authorities acknowledge that much more needs to be done to address the root causes of child trafficking and prevent future crimes.
The recent efforts by the Imo State Police in rejecting a bribe and rescuing two children from suspected traffickers have garnered widespread attention and praise. Through their diligence, professionalism, and commitment to justice, the police have not only safeguarded the well-being of two innocent children but also sent a clear message to those involved in child trafficking networks: their actions will not go unpunished.
As the investigation into these cases continues, the Imo State Police Command is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. With the support of the community, it is hoped that more child trafficking rings will be dismantled, and more children will be protected from exploitation.
The authorities remain determined to continue the fight against child trafficking, and they assure the public that their efforts will not cease until every child is safe from harm.
The Imo State Police Command urges all members of the public, especially parents, to remain proactive in safeguarding their children. Community collaboration, vigilance, and timely reporting of suspicious activities will play a critical role in eradicating child trafficking and ensuring that such crimes are prevented. As this case demonstrates, the fight against trafficking is ongoing, and each successful operation brings us one step closer to creating a safer environment for all children in Nigeria.
EXCERPT
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have rejected N1m bribe offer and arrested two suspected child traffickers.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Henry Okoye, who disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday, February 28, 2025, said operatives also rescued two children, aged 4 and 3, from the suspects.
The PPRO said operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department had on February 4, 2025, arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025, while the child was playing right on their premises.
However, the boy has been rescued and reunited with his parents.
In a similar development, operatives on the highway during a routine stop-and-search of buses along the Owerri-Aba Expressway apprehended a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika, of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen four-year-old child.
Though she claimed the child was hers, she later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m.
In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the police operatives N1m bribe which they outrightly rejected.
“On February 4, 2025, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for abducting her ex-neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025. Investigations revealed she stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides. The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Udodiri Michael, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.” the statement read.
“In a separate development on February 21, 2025, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba express road, apprehended Eze Chika (45) of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen four-year-old child. Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m.
“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a N1m bribe, which was rejected outright. The officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child. Further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, and more arrests are expected. Efforts are underway to identify the child’s biological parents.”
The police spokesperson reiterated that the command was committed to fighting child trafficking and other crimes in the state.
He however admonished residents especially parents to be vigilant, monitor their children, and report suspicious activities to the police.
SOURCE: LIB
