The Rivers State Police Command has busted a child trafficking ring, rescued four children, and arrested a woman, Esther Anthony, of Rumukwachi Community Port Harcourt, who allegedly stole the victims from their home in Bayelsa State.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, December 2, 2024, said another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case.
Anthony was further 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 a nurse, Loveth, who runs a maternity home.
According to the PPRO, 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 activities and refused to let her check out with the children, demanding that the mother be present,” the statement read.
“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.”
