A syndicate that specialises in stealing and selling children has been uncovered by the police in Lagos.
Three members of the gang identified as Joy Okoye, 28, Uju Obieze, 40, Ifeyinwa Ezene, 46, were arrested in Lagos, Delta and Anambra States respectively, while their victim, a two-year-old baby was recovered at Enugu State at the residence of one Ifeoma Okoye, said to be deceased.
It was gathered the child went missing on May 1 at her parent’s 27, Test Oluwale Street, Olodi Apapa residence.
The child’s father, Ekene Nwoagbo was said to have filed a complaint on her disappearance at the police station which prompted Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal to direct the Anti-Kidnapping unit to take charge of the case.
Preliminary investigation, it was gathered, indicted Okoye, a resident of 64, Kirikiri Street, Olodi Apapa who confessed to the crime, adding that she connived with one Amarachi, still at large, to sell.
Okoye, it was learnt told detectives they sold the kid N300, 000 to Obieze, a resident of 8, Okwe Road, Asaba, Delta State.
Consequently, the command mobilised detectives to Asaba and Obieze was arrested on September 13 and she allegedly confessed that she bought the baby in collaboration with Ezene of 2, Eze Bishop Street, Onitsha, Anambra State.
Upon her arrest, Ezene, it was gathered, led the police on September 14, to 40, Amaechi Street off Agbani Road, Enugu, said to be the residence of Okoye, whom they resold the child to.
Policemen were however told at the address that Okoye died the previous week though the child was recovered from her relatives.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) said Okoye’s relatives were mourning her death at the time detectives arrived her home.
He said: “The little girl has since been reunited with her parents. The suspects will be charged to court on Wednesday.”
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