Police Arrest Two Women For Child Trafficking, Reject ₦1M Bribe

The Imo State Police Command has arrested two women in separate child trafficking cases and refused a ₦1 million bribe offered to avoid prosecution.

DSP Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson, disclosed this information in a statement on Thursday.

According to Okoye, on February 4, 2025, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department apprehended a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, in Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA. She was accused of kidnapping a three-year-old boy, Nzubechi Udodiri, who is the son of her former neighbor.

Investigations revealed that on February 1, 2025, the child was playing near his home when Odoh allegedly took him away. Fortunately, the boy was found safe and has since been returned to his parents. Authorities are working to determine if she had any accomplices.

Okoye stated, “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.”

In another incident, police officers conducting a stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on February 21, 2025, detained a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika, from Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA. She was found with a young child, who was suspected to have been abducted.

At first, Chika insisted the child was hers, but under further questioning, she admitted to buying the child from a suspected child trafficking ring in Aba for ₦1.8 million.

“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 ₦1.8 million.”

In an effort to avoid arrest, Chika reportedly offered the police a ₦1 million bribe, which the officers immediately refused. The police took her into custody, rescued the child, and launched an investigation to track down other members of the suspected trafficking network.

Okoye confirmed, “In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a ₦1m 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.”

Reaffirming their dedication to tackling child trafficking and other crimes, the police urged residents—especially parents—to be extra watchful over their children and promptly report any suspicious activities to authorities.

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