In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, praised the officers for their professionalism and commitment to justice, reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities, particularly those involving innocent children.
According to Okoye, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odoh, on February 4, 2025. Odoh, a resident of Umuanyo Eziobodo in Owerri West LGA, was accused of abducting her former neighbor’s three-year-old son, Nzubechi Udodiri, on February 1, 2025. The child, who was playing within their residential compound, was taken without the knowledge of his parents.
Following intensive investigations, operatives successfully tracked and apprehended Odoh, leading to the safe rescue of the young boy. He has since been reunited with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Udodiri Michael, who expressed deep gratitude to the police for their swift action in recovering their son.
In another operation, officers from the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a routine stop-and-search along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on February 21, 2025, intercepted a 45-year-old woman, Eze Chika. She was found traveling with a four-year-old child under suspicious circumstances.
Initially, Chika claimed the child was her biological offspring. However, after thorough questioning, she confessed to purchasing the child from a human trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8 million. Recognizing the severity of her crime, she allegedly attempted to bribe the officers with N1 million in hopes of securing her release.
In a commendable display of professionalism and dedication to their duty, the officers outrightly rejected the bribe and proceeded with Chika’s arrest. Further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, prompting the police to intensify their efforts to dismantle the syndicate.
The rescued child has been taken into protective custody, and efforts are underway to identify and reunite the child with his biological parents.
Commending the bravery and incorruptibility of the officers involved, DSP Henry Okoye emphasized the Imo State Police Command’s unwavering resolve to combat child trafficking and other criminal activities in the region.
The actions of our officers demonstrate the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to ensuring the safety of children and the security of our communities. We remain dedicated to upholding justice and will continue to track down those involved in this heinous crime,” Okoye stated.
He further urged parents and guardians to be vigilant, closely monitor their children, and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. The command also reassured the public that efforts to apprehend all individuals connected to these crimes were ongoing.
The officers’ refusal to accept a bribe has been met with widespread praise from members of the public and civil society organizations. Many have hailed the police for upholding their oath of service and for taking decisive action against child traffickers.
With these commendable efforts, the Imo State Police Command has reinforced public confidence in law enforcement and demonstrated that integrity and justice will always prevail over crime and corruption.
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