Operatives of X-Squad Units of Imo State Police Command have arrested four suspects for the alleged stealing of a 20-month-old girl, Chimamanda Joy.

In a release signed by the Command?s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, the victim is the daughter of a 35-year-old visually impaired woman, Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya, from Amuri Omanze, Isu Council of Imo State.

Okoye said the baby, rescued from the suspects, has officially been handed over to the mother by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, at his office in Owerri on Thursday.

He disclosed that one of the suspects, one Chioma Theresa (42) of Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, upon interrogation, confessed to buying the child for ?1,500,000 from one Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa, Aba South, Abia State.

Okoye said, ?The Imo State Police Command, through the diligent efforts of its X-Squad Unit, has busted a child-stealing syndicate, arresting four suspects and rescuing a 20-month-old girl, Chimamanda Joy?the daughter of 35-year-old visually impaired Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya from Amuri Omanze, Isu LGA.

?The breakthrough came after an intensive investigation into a case reported by Mrs. Ekwennaya on April 8, 2025. She was deceitfully lured to Umuahia, Abia State, with false promises of financial aid from a fake charity?a ploy by the syndicate to abduct her child.

?Acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the unit arrested two key suspects?Maria Nwaeze (63) of Ariam Oboro and Rejoice Odimba (29) of Ahai Eke?both from Abia State, in Aba on May 23, 2025. Their arrest provided crucial insights into the syndicate?s modus operandi.

?Upon interrogation, the suspects provided actionable intelligence, leading to a follow-up operation in Aba. On May 27, 2025, at about 1700hrs, operatives rescued the stolen child and arrested another suspect, Chioma Theresa (42) of Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. During questioning, Chioma confessed to buying the child for ?1,500,000 from Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa, Aba South, Abia State, who had falsely posed as a Social Welfare officer.

?Further investigation revealed that the entire scheme was masterminded by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who are currently at large. The couple orchestrated the deceitful invitation that led Mrs. Ekwennaya to Aba, exploiting her vulnerability under the guise of offering assistance.

?Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been medically examined and safely reunited with her mother on May 28, 2025, after due documentation.

?The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, assures the public of the Command?s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children. He warns that there is no hiding place for criminals in Imo State and urges residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command?s emergency lines. Further updates will follow.? (The Guardian)

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