FCT police arrest two for alleged child trafficking, rescue five

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested two persons, one Kulu Dogonyaro and Elizabeth Ojah, for attempted child trafficking, while they rescued five minors who had been taken by the suspects.

PUNCH Metro had reported in February that operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74, arrested a pastor, Simon Kado; his relative, Jesse Simon-Kado, and their driver, Muhammad Isah, for child trafficking.

The suspects were arrested while trafficking 12 underage children – eight girls and four boys aged between five and 16 years, from Nasarawa State to Ogun State.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, the operatives were said to have arrested the two female suspects, Kulu Dogonyaro and Elizabeth Ojah, on April 27, 2024, at about 8:00 p.m. at the Kagini Junction, Abuja. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to convey the five children into the Federal Capital Territory.

“The suspects, who initially attempted to escape arrest from the Sokoto Police operatives were finally apprehended by our eagle-eyed officers in Abuja,” Adeh said.

The rescued children, between six and 12 years of age, have been handed over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation and also to be reunited with their families.

“We are working closely with our counterparts in Sokoto State to ensure that the children are safely returned to their loved ones,” said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Benneth C. Igweh,  in the statement.

Igweh urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.

The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other crimes in the FCT. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents, especially our children,” he emphasised.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.

The FCT command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, assuring that the police will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of all.