Police Arrest 63-Year-Old Anambra Woman for Alleged Child Trafficking
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| Police Arrest 63-Year-Old Anambra Woman for Alleged Child Trafficking |
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a 63-year-old woman, identified as Ngozi Muotuanya, over alleged involvement in an interstate child trafficking operation.
The arrest was carried out by police operatives attached to the Oba Division following credible intelligence reports linking the suspect to the mysterious disappearance of children in Oba and surrounding communities.
How the Arrest Happened
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the breakthrough came on August 11, 2025, when officers moved in on Muotuanya, who hails from Awkuzu-Oba in Anambra State.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that sometime in 2024, the suspect allegedly stole a one-year-old male child in Minna, Niger State, and sold him to an unsuspecting buyer in Anambra,” Ikenga said in a statement.
Further findings indicate that the first buyer later sold the child to another person. However, upon realising the child had been stolen, the second buyer returned him to Muotuanya on August 4. The suspect allegedly abandoned the boy at an unidentified church in Minna, where he was rescued by the leader of the Igbo community in Niger State.
Police Action and Next Steps
The Anambra police have shared details of the child’s recovery with the Niger State Police Command to facilitate his safe return to his biological parents.
Authorities have confirmed that Muotuanya will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for further interrogation and eventual prosecution.
Rising Concerns Over Child Trafficking in Nigeria
This arrest comes amid increasing reports of child trafficking across Nigeria. According to UNICEF, thousands of Nigerian children fall victim to trafficking each year, often for forced labour, illegal adoption, or exploitation.
Security experts have called for stronger community surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and stricter border monitoring to combat the crime.
How to Protect Children from Traffickers
Parents and guardians are advised to:
- Keep close watch over their children in public places.
- Avoid leaving children in the care of strangers.
- Report suspicious movements to security agencies immediately.
The Nigeria Police Force encourages citizens to use official channels such as the Police Emergency Contact Numbers or visit the nearest police station to report any suspected trafficking cases.
