OWERRI — In a major breakthrough, the Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 minors and arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, alleged to be the mastermind of a child trafficking network operating across southeastern Nigeria.
Police confirmed on Sunday, June 29, 2025, that Enyenwa, a resident of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, was arrested during a stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Express Road on June 20.
According to SP Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, the arrest led to the uncovering of a syndicate that trafficked children from Imo to Aba in Abia State, where they were forced into street begging under the guise of being from a motherless babies’ home.
“The suspect confessed that the children were taken from Ngor Okpala and coerced to beg for money in Aba,” Okoye said.
The suspect also claimed she was employed by Shalom Motherless Babies Home, located in Okenyi, Eche LGA of Rivers State, where proceeds from the forced begging were allegedly sent.
Victims Aged Between 5 and 13
The 12 rescued children, all between the ages of 5 and 13, have been identified as:
- Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10)
- Favour Madufor (13)
- Ugochi Pius (13)
- Ifeanyi Pius (9)
- Favour Timothy (10)
- Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7)
- Chinaza Madufor (10)
- Nneoma Timothy (9)
- Promise Maduenyenwa (5)
- Gospel Chibuike (9)
- Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11)
- Chinonso Paul (10)
All are reportedly from various communities in Ngor-Okpala LGA.
Okoye confirmed that the children are now in safe custody, and the IGP X-Squad Unit has taken over the investigation to ensure justice is served.
Police Call for Public Assistance
The Imo State Police is appealing to the public to help identify the rescued children and reconnect them with their families.
“If you recognize any of these children or have information about their families, please contact the Police via 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155,” Okoye urged.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the heinous act and reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for child exploitation, vowing to bring all culprits to justice.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have pledged that further updates will be released as investigations progress, and have assured the public of their commitment to safeguarding children’s rights across the state.
