Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspects in connection with two separate child trafficking cases even as they rejected N1m bribe offer.

The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, made the disclosures in a press statement on Thursday.

Okoye said operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department had on February 4, 2025, arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, of Umuanyo Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025, while the lad was playing right on their premises.

However, the boy has been rescued and reunited with his parents.

In another development, operatives on the highway during a routine stop-and-search of buses along the Owerri-Aba Expressway apprehended a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika, of Obiokwara Umualoma, Ideato North LGA, found with a suspected stolen four-year-old child. Though she claimed the child was hers, she later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m.

Determined to go scot-free, she offered the police operatives N1m bribe which was rejected outright by the operatives. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued child with his parents.

Okoye said, “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 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 N1.8m.

“In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers a N1m 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.”

The police spokesperson reiterated that the command was committed to fighting child trafficking and other crimes in the state.

He however admonished residents especially parents to be vigilant, monitor their children, and report suspicious activities to the police.