The Anambra State Police Command has said it has dismantled a child trafficking ring, operating in Onitsha, and rescued 10 malnourished children in the process.
The police said it also arrested three suspects, including a fake medical doctor.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed the breakthrough at a press briefing on Monday, February 17, 2025, pointing out that the rescued children were between the ages of five to eight years.
“I am pleased to address you and Ndi Anambra today on yet another breakthrough in our commitment to protecting vulnerable children and combating human trafficking in the state.
“Police operatives attached to 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, acting on intelligence-led investigations on February 15, 2025, arrested one Mr. Odinakachukwu Okorie, Ifunanya Ogbonna and a fake medical doctor, Mr. Daniel Ikebuilo, and rescued 10 looking malnourished children in an apartment in Inland Town, Onitsha,” the police boss said.
He further revealed that the police have been monitoring Okorie after receiving a report on July 28, 2024, about a missing six-year-old boy in the neighbourhood and another report on February 13, 2025, of a missing five-year-old girl in the same area.
“The operatives, having enough evidence, quickly arrested Odinakachukwu Okorie. During interrogation, the suspect mentioned Ifunanya as part of the child-stealing syndicate.
“Further questioning led to the rescue of both missing children and the arrest of Daniel Ikebuilo. Before their arrest, Odinakachukwu and Ifunanya confessed to having perfected their plans to flee with the five-year-old girl to Abuja,” Orutugu said.
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The police commissioner said Ifunanya also confessed to having sold the child for N1million to Mr. Daniel.
In a related development, he said the police acting on intelligence, rescued eight other children in an apartment in Inland Town, Onitsha.
The police chief assured that the command has taken steps to ensure the well-being of the rescued children, and has sought the assistance of the state government for the custody, and care of the children.
The police commissioner commended the efforts of community members in assisting the police arrest the suspects and bust the criminal syndicate.
“This achievement highlights the importance of community-police collaboration and intelligence gathering in combating child trafficking,” he said.
Orutugu urged parents and guardians searching for their missing children to come forward to identify the rescued children for possible reunion with their parents.
