The Ebonyi State Police Command has rescued an 11-year-old girl allegedly abducted in May 2026 and arrested a woman suspected of purchasing her from a child trafficking syndicate.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Ukandu said the breakthrough followed months of sustained and discreet investigations into the girl’s abduction and the activities of the suspected trafficking network.
He said police operatives traced and arrested Mrs Nneka Ibekwe on Oct. 6 at Nkpor, Onitsha, Anambra State, over her alleged involvement in the case.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicated that Ibekwe allegedly purchased the girl from the syndicate in June 2026.
The police spokesperson said Ibekwe told investigators that she approached Mrs Benedicta Umeh, also known as Nwanyi-Okigwe, after learning that she operated an orphanage and allegedly worked with welfare office officials to facilitate child adoptions.
Ukandu said Ibekwe claimed she had expressed interest in adopting a child and was instructed to provide a consent letter from her church and a medical certificate of fitness.
He added that the suspect allegedly paid about N4 million to Umeh before the girl was handed over to her.
The police spokesperson, however, stressed that the claims remained subject to further investigation.
He said the rescued girl was safe, while efforts were underway to reunite her with her family.
Ukandu said the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Mrs Hope Okafor, commended the officers involved for their diligence and commitment to the investigation.
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According to him, Okafor assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
The commissioner also cautioned prospective adoptive parents against taking custody of children without conducting proper checks and complying with legally prescribed adoption procedures.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the nearest police station.
