Anambra State Government, through its Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has handed over a couple and an accomplice to the police following allegations of human trafficking in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
The arrests were announced in a statement on Facebook by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Women Affairs Commissioner. The incident came to light when the community chairman, Mr. Arinzechukwu Azodo, informed Commissioner Ify Obinabo of a suspected trafficking case in the community. Azodo had been alerted by his team commander about the suspicious activity and promptly informed the commissioner, who directed him to apprehend the suspects.
Upon their arrest, it was revealed that the suspects were on the verge of finalizing a deal worth one million naira. Ebere, one of the suspects, confessed that she was approached by another suspect, Temple Nwankwo, with an offer to sell her twin baby. Ebere admitted to collaborating with Temple and connecting her with a potential buyer. However, Temple denied any involvement in the transaction.
The statement detailed that Ebere agreed to partner with Temple and arranged a meeting at Oye Agu to finalize the deal. However, disagreements arose when Temple demanded an instant payment of one million naira before the buyer had seen the baby, leading to Temple abandoning the transaction.
Temple, originally from Enugu State but residing in Ifitedunu, denied any business dealings with Ebere. She claimed that Ebere sought her help in obtaining a male child, as Ebere was unable to conceive one herself. Temple stated that she had warned Ebere against involving her in such activities and noted that Ebere had continued to visit her house despite her warnings.
Community members accused Temple and her husband, Ndubuisi Nwankwo, of being involved in human trafficking. Suspicions were heightened when Temple claimed her two children had died, yet no witnesses could verify their burials.
The visibly distressed Commissioner Obinabo handed the suspects over to the police for investigation and prosecution. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the ministry.
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