The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, for alleged child trafficking and rescued 12 children reportedly exploited for street begging in Aba, Abia State.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the arrest on Sunday, stating that Enyenwa was apprehended during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Owerri-Aba Expressway on June 20, 2025.
The suspect was found in possession of several children in suspicious conditions, prompting further investigation. Twelve children, aged between 5 and 13, were rescued. They include Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10), Favour Madufor (13), Ugochi Pius (13), Ifeanyi Pius (9), Favour Timothy (10), Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7), Chinaza Madufor (10), Nneoma Timothy (9), Promise Maduenyenwa (5), Gospel Chibuike (9), Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11), and Chinonso Paul (10), all from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
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According to Okoye, the suspect confessed to trafficking the children to Aba and forcing them into street begging.
She further claimed that proceeds from the begging were sent to a motherless babies home in Rivers State, where she allegedly works.
The rescued children are currently in protective custody, while efforts are ongoing to trace and reunite them with their families.
Okoye called on the public to assist with information that could help identify the children or aid the investigation, stressing that child exploitation will not be tolerated in Imo State.