By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Police operatives in Rivers State have bust a child theft cum trafficking syndicate, arresting two suspects with a day old baby concealed in a sack.
Identified as Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem, a 28-year-old male from Umuoye in Etche LGA, Rivers State, and Uzodinma Eze, also known as Thank-God, a 33-year-old male from Omanwa, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State, the suspects were reportedly nabbed with the newly born baby, concealed in a sack with blood all over his body.
According to report, the suspects were apprehended on Monday by the eagle-eyed operatives attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Rivers State Police Command while conducting a routine stop and search operation along Igwuruta-Eneka Road.
While confirming the arrest, the Spokesperson of the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement, said that the suspects were intercepted when conveying the baby on a commercial motorbike (Okada) from Chokocho, Etche, to Eneka.
The police image manager, who named Daniel as the major trafficker, disclosed that he has confessed to the crime and revealed crucial information about the criminal network involved in the act.
She added that the suspect also revealed that he was enticed with the sum of N10,000 by one Mama Destiny who enlisted his services to transport the sack bag containing the baby to Eneka junction, with instructions to await further contact from an associate who would receive the bag.
It reads, ” The Rivers State Police Command has successfully apprehended two suspects involved in a disturbing case of human trafficking in Port Harcourt.
“The arrested individuals are Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem, a 28-year-old male from Umuoye in Etche LGA, Rivers State, and Uzodinma Eze, also known as Thank-God, a 33-year-old male from Omanwa, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State.
“On Monday, 22nd January 2024, diligent officers from the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Rivers State Police Command conducted a routine stop and search operation along Igwuruta-Eneka Road.
“During the operation, their sharp instincts led them to intercept and question Daniel and Uzodinma, who were riding a commercial motorbike (Okada) from Chokocho, Etche, to Eneka.
“In the course of the search, the officers made a shocking discovery. Daniel was found carrying a sack bag that contained a one-day-old baby. The baby, still covered in blood, was struggling for breath inside the sack, with the placenta also found alongside.
“Promptly recognizing the urgency of the situation, the officers swiftly provided immediate medical attention to the infant, ensuring his safe transportation to the Police Hospital.
“The dedicated medical personnel at the hospital skillfully resuscitated the baby, who is now in stable health and receiving the necessary care.
“Following the apprehension, Daniel cooperated with the investigating officers and revealed crucial information about the criminal network involved in this abhorrent act.
“He disclosed that he had been contacted by a woman known as ‘Mama Destiny,’ a pastry vendor in his locality. Mama Destiny had enlisted his services to transport the sack bag containing the baby to Eneka junction, with instructions to await further contact from an associate who would receive the bag.
“In exchange for his involvement, Daniel was enticed with a payment of 10,000 Naira.
“Further revelations emerged through Daniel’s account. He explained that he was summoned to a location along Egbi Road to finalize the transaction. Accompanied by Mama Destiny’s husband, he was driven to Chokocho junction, where he met Uzodinma, the operator of the commercial motorbike they used for the delivery.
“Daniel, remorseful for his actions, admitted his culpability in the crime, attributing his involvement to greed and the influence of malevolent forces.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has commended the unwavering dedication and professionalism exhibited by the officers involved in the operation.
It posited that the swift action and astute observations of the officers led to the apprehension of the human traffickers and the rescue of an innocent child from a grim fate.
The Command urged anyone with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation to come forward and cooperate fully with the authorities.
“We reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of all individuals within our jurisdiction.
“The Rivers State Police Command will continue to vigorously combat human trafficking and all forms of criminality, ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”, It assured.
