A shocking case of child theft and human trafficking has come to light in Cross River State, with a couple and a self-proclaimed pastor arrested for their alleged involvement.
The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Idongesit, are accused of stealing two siblings, aged 3 and 5 years, and attempting to sell them in Aba, Abia State.
According to the State Commissioner of Police, CP Augustine Grimah, the suspects lured the children’s mother, Mrs. Blessing Godday, to Akamkpa with the promise of a job.
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“The suspects, who are now in custody and under investigation, confessed to the crime and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed,” CP Grimah stated.
In a separate case, Pastor Victor Udo Eyop was arrested for allegedly attempting to traffic three women to Libya. The pastor claimed he had promised to take the women to Libya, and had even taken them for HIV and STD tests before embarking on the journey.
“I promised to take them to Libya,” Pastor Eyop admitted.
The victims, Deborah (25), Anita Igri (25), and Mabel Bassey (16), were rescued after the vehicle transporting them developed a fault. They were able to escape with the help of a POS operator.
CP Grimah noted that the police have charged 399 cases to court this year, with 19 cases conclusively prosecuted, 15 convictions, and four discharges.
He also mentioned that four individuals were arrested for vandalizing a transformer, and two others were apprehended for selling illicit substances.
“We are committed to ensuring that justice is served in all cases, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Cross River State,” CP Grimah assured.