SHOCKING: Couple Arrested for Trafficking 12 Children in Aba, Abia State | READ DETAILS

.... Police Rescue 12 Babies from Illegal Motherless Home in Aba - Abia Ministry of Women Affairs Takes Custody

The Abia State Police Command has made a major breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking following the arrest of a couple involved in a disturbing case of child exploitation in Aba.

According to a press release from the Police Command, a couple identified as Sunday Emebo and his wife Blessing Emebo were arrested on Sunday, May 19, 2025, in their apartment located along Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba, where they were allegedly operating an unregistered illegal motherless babies' home.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, who confirmed the development, stated that the arrest was made possible through credible intelligence provided to the police. During the raid, the command rescued twelve children, all between the ages of six and fourteen months, who had been allegedly trafficked from different villages.

The children were reportedly held in unsanitary and unregulated conditions within the couple's residence, raising serious concerns about their welfare and health status. It is unclear how long the children had been in captivity or the exact methods used by the couple to obtain them.

"The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Umuahia, and are undergoing interrogation," DSP Chinaka stated. "They will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations."

She also disclosed that the rescued children have been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, who are now responsible for their temporary welfare and protection.

DSP Chinaka reiterated the Abia State Police Command's unwavering commitment to combating crime in all forms, especially those involving vulnerable populations such as children. She advised residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, and to avoid leaving children in the care of strangers or unfamiliar persons.

This incident adds to growing concerns about the rise in child trafficking rings across Nigeria, particularly those disguised under the operation of unregistered orphanages or care homes.

The Abia State Government is expected to intensify its clampdown on such illegal operations while working closely with security agencies to dismantle child trafficking networks in the state.

This latest development serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for heightened community awareness, intelligence sharing, and institutional oversight in the protection of children's rights in Nigeria.