Police bust child trafficking syndicate in Rivers

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Police Command in its war against child trafficking has busted a syndicate, rescuing four children and arrested a woman, Esther Anthony  of Rumukwachi Community Port Harcourt, who allegedly stole them.

River State Police Public Relations Officer( PPRO ) SP  Grace Iringe-Koko, said the children, aged one to 13 years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to a nurse, Loveth, who runs a maternity home.

Iringe-Koko said: “The Guest House Managing Director grew suspicious of Esther Anthony’s activities and refused to let her check out with the children, demanding that their  mother be present.

“Esther Anthony left and returned with police officers, falsely claiming that the Guest House Manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a gun.

“However, the MD  contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony.”

The PPRO said  preliminary investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with someone,  Favour,to traffick the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State.

“Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case. Notably, Esther Anthony was identified by another family as the same person who had stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth.

“The suspects have confessed to the crime. The case has been transferred to the  State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port-Harcourt and  the suspects are currently in police custody.”

She said the suspects  would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

“This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Rivers State Police Command to combat child trafficking and ensure justice for victims and their families. Meanwhile, the children have united with their family members.”