The Abia child trafficking case has taken a shocking turn after a couple was arrested for allegedly running an unregistered baby home in Aba.
The operation, led by the Abia State Police Command, also resulted in the rescue of 12 children believed to be victims.
On Monday, May 26, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the development in a statement made available to journalists.
She revealed that the suspects, Blessing Emebo, 49, and her husband Sunday Emebo, 42, were apprehended after credible intelligence led detectives to their apartment on Ikot Ekpene Road.
“On the 19/05/2025 at about 1145 hrs, detectives from Abia State Police Command, leveraging credible intelligence, apprehended one Blessing Emebo ‘f’ 49yrs and Sunday Emebo ‘m’ 42yrs for operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home in their apartment at Ikot Ekpene Road Aba,” the statement read.
According to Chinaka, the rescued children were aged between six months and 14 years.
They had reportedly been taken from various villages in Arochukwu, a local government area in the state.
The names of the children were also made public as part of the police report to aid further investigation and possible family reunions.
The children include: Ojiugo Caleb (14), Christian Okoro (12), Samuel Okoro (13), Clinton Nkemakolam (9), Godwin Emmanuel (10), Osinachi Nkemakolam (6), Marvelous Emmanuel (5), David Emmanuel (7), Testimony Emebo (2 months), Ogechi Nkemakolam (9), Chinaza Okoro (9), and Anointing Okoro (7).
“The suspects were found in possession of twelve (12) children, aged between six months and fourteen years, from different villages in Arochukwu,” Chinaka added.
She noted that the rescued minors have been placed in the care of the Ministry of Women Affairs for proper welfare and protection, pending further action.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing.
The suspects are currently being interrogated at the state CID Umuahia and will soon be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigation,” the statement further revealed.
In addition, the command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual movement or suspicious activities involving children in their neighborhoods.
“The Command is committed to ensuring the reduction of crime and criminality in the state.
We advise the public to stay security-conscious and ensure children’s safety,” Chinaka said.
“Do not leave children with unfamiliar persons, and report suspicious persons with children to the Police or use our hotlines via:
08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210003, 08079210005, in order to nip crime at the bud.”
This Abia child trafficking case highlights the pressing need for community awareness and stronger child protection laws.
Moreover, it underlines the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public in safeguarding the lives of vulnerable children.
