In a groundbreaking development, the Rivers State Police Command has made a series of arrests connected to a child trafficking ring operating within the state. Among those apprehended is Michael Charles, also known as Thankgod Ekwueme, who stands accused of selling his own three children. The arrest of Charles has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the grim reality of child exploitation.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, announced the significant breakthrough during a press conference held at the Old GRA Police Station, Head Office of the CP Monitoring Unit. Several other suspects involved in the illicit trade of minors were also apprehended, including a medical practitioner and a former Councillor, adding a controversial twist to the unfolding story.
the grandmother of the trafficked children, gave a Statement on behalf of the mother of the kids, who happens to be deaf and dumb. She hails from Umudiogo in Emohua Local Government Area of the state. Igwe revealed that her son-in-law had been selling the children born to her daughter, deceiving her into believing that the infants had tragically died shortly after birth. Her heart-wrenching account sheds light on the anguish experienced by the victims’ family.
The police statement shed further light on the investigation: “Operatives attached to the CP Monitoring Unit, on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at about 5.00 pm, extended the investigation to Omudiaga in Emohua LGA of Rivers State and Ogbaku in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State. They successfully apprehended the duo of Ndubuisi Egbueri and Ndubuisi Wosa at Omudiaga, and Chioma Anele at Ogbaku. Both Egbueri and Wosa confessed to receiving one of the babies, subsequently handing it over to Hon. Regina Aki at Rukpokwu in Port Harcourt. Hon. Regina Aki was also arrested and admitted to contacting Favour Amaewhule at Aluu, where the baby was sold in the presence of Michael Charles, the baby’s father.”
The police further stated, “Subsequently, Favour Amaewhule was arrested and admitted to purchasing the baby for the sum of N700,000.00. The investigation is underway to recover the remaining babies received by Chioma Anele. Currently, seven suspects are in custody.”
The involvement of a former Councilor in this heinous crime has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. It serves as a stark reminder that some individuals in positions of political power engage in illicit activities as side hustles. While this phenomenon is not entirely new to Nigerians, the extent to which these acts are pursued for monetary gain continues to shock the public.
This incident echoes the revelations made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 2022. The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, disclosed in an interview that drug barons often sponsor politicians during elections, leveraging their influence to secure favorable laws for their illegal operations. Marwa recounted instances where political officeholders, both serving and retired, were arrested in possession of illicit drugs. He emphasized, “The cartels also participate in political institutions, funding candidates at various levels to ensure the enactment of laws that favor their nefarious activities.”
The discovery of the child trafficking ring and its connection to a former Councilor has left the public deeply unsettled. It serves as a stark reminder of the intricate web of criminal activities that can permeate society, even in positions of power. As investigations continue, the hope is that justice will be served, and measures will be taken to prevent such horrific crimes in the future.
