Police rescue four trafficked children, arrest six suspects in Akwa Ibom

The police command in Akwa Ibom says its operatives have rescued four victims of child trafficking and arrested six suspected traffickers within the state.

Timfon John, public relations officer of the command, disclosed this on Monday while parading the suspects.

She said the arrests were made in various locations within the state based on credible intelligence.

John noted that operatives arrested one Roseline Dennis and Sunday Ekong on January 14 for allegedly abducting two children from St. Joseph Catholic School, Ikot Ofon Ikono.

She added that a preliminary investigation revealed plans by the suspects to transport the children to Abia state for sale.

John said another group of suspected traffickers was arrested for trafficking two children, aged between 11 and 12, from Ikot Edibom village in Nsit Ubium LGA and Mkpatak village in Essien Udim LGA.

“Thankfully, the victims were rescued and reunited with their families. The suspects will face prosecution,” she said.

“In a related development, another set of suspected child traffickers from Abia State, named Okwondu Nkpurunna, Vivian Izima Chamdin, Okozie Amarachi, and Christina Emmanuel Onyechi, have been arrested.

“These suspects were caught trafficking two children (names withheld), aged 11 and 12 years, from Ikot Edibom Village, Nsit Ubium LGA, and Mkpatak Village, Essien Udim LGA, respectively.

“The victims, rescued unhurt in Abia State, will soon be reunited with their families while the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.” 

On cases of defilement, John revealed that Daniel Umoh, a 32-year-old suspect popularly known as Akaka, was arrested in Abak Itenghe, Abak LGA, for allegedly defiling a girl.

She stated that the suspect, armed with a machete, attacked the victim and dragged her into the bush, where he assaulted her.

“Investigations revealed a history of sexual assault by the suspect on other teenage girls. He will not escape the full weight of the law,” she added.

John also noted the arrest of Louis Akpojotor Mevoweoyo, a pastor from Ughelli North LGA, residing in Ibiono Ibom, for defiling his daughter.

She said investigations revealed the suspect had been assaulting the victim since she was 12 years old, with the most recent incident occurring in December 2024.

“The suspect will also be prosecuted,” she said.