Crime
Police Rescue 4 Children From Traffickers, Arrest 2 Suspects In Rivers
The Guest House Managing Director grew suspicious of Esther Anthony’s and refused to let her check out
Port-Harcourt, Rivers State- Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued four children from a suspected child trafficking syndicate and arrested two individuals in connection with the crime.
The rescue operation was conducted at a hotel in Rumukwachi community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a statement released by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, the operation was made possible with assistance from the hotel’s manager.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that one of the arrested suspects, identified as Esther Anthony, is from Rumukwachi community and is accused of orchestrating the abduction of the children.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has cracked down on a child trafficking ring, rescuing four children and arresting a woman, Esther Anthony, for allegedly stealing them.
“The children, aged one to thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt, and were intended to be handed over to the nurse, Loveth.
“The Guest House Managing Director grew suspicious of Esther Anthony’s and refused to let her check out with the children, demanding that the mother be present.
Iringe-Koko said, “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 Managing Director contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony.
“Preliminary Investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with someone named Favour to traffic 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.
“All suspects have confessed to the crime. The case has been transferred to State CID, Port-Harcourt and suspects are currently in police custody. They will 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,” Iringe-Koko added.