Nurse Escapes as Police Arrest Two Suspected Child Traffickers Negotiating to Sell Abducted 4-Year-Old Boy for N2.7m in Imo

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspects, Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael from Zamba, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in connection with the abduction of a minor, Jaffa Umar.

According to the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the suspects were apprehended in Owerri, the state capital, on April 14, 2025, following a discreet operation that led to the rescue of the kidnapped boy.

The police investigation revealed that the minor was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables. The suspects were in Imo State attempting to sell the child for N2.7 million when they were caught. Okoye also mentioned that a third individual, believed to be a nurse, is still on the run.

“The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected case of child trafficking, leading to the arrest of two female suspects and the rescue of a four-year-old boy,” the statement read.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Scorpion Unit intercepted the suspects—Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba, FCT Abuja—in Owerri on 14th April 2025 at about 6:00 p.m., following a discreet operation.

“Investigations revealed that the boy, Jaffa Umar, who speaks Hausa fluently, was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables. The suspects brought him to Owerri and were negotiating to sell him for ₦2.7 million before their arrest. A third accomplice, believed to be a nurse, is currently at large.

“The child has been safely reunited with his family through coordinated efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja while the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Abuja for further investigation and prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassures the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and dismantling trafficking networks.

He encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency line 0803 477 3600.”