12 Children Rescued, Couple Arrested for Alleged Child Trafficking in Abia

A couple has been arrested in Aba, Abia State, for allegedly running an unregistered children’s home from their apartment. The suspects, identified as Blessing Emebo and Sunday Emebo, were apprehended by operatives of the Abia State Police Command on May 19.

According to a statement released by police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka, 12 children, aged between two months and 14 years, were rescued from the residence located on Ikot Ekpene Road. The children, who are from various villages in Arochukwu Local Government Area, have since been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

Among the rescued were nine boys—Ojiugo Caleb (14), Christian Okoro (12), Samuel Okoro (13), Clinton Nkemakolam (9), Godwin Emmanuel (10), Osinachi Nkemakolam (6), Marvellous Emmanuel (5), David Emmanuel (7), and Testimony Emebo (2 months old). The three girls identified were Ogechi Nkemakolam (9), Chinaza Okoro (9), and Anointing Okoro (7).

The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Umuahia. Police say they will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly in ensuring the safety and protection of fchildren.