Titus Eleweke I Sunday, February 02, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – Operatives of the Anambra State Police have arrested a 32-year-old child thief attempting to flee with a five-year-old girl, Nkemdilim Jacob.
The suspect, Joshua Simeon, from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State, was apprehended by police operatives attached to the Ogidi Area Command, acting on credible information, at Nkpor Central Park, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Confirming the incident, the state police command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operatives recovered the five-year-old girl, who had allegedly been taken away by the suspect from her parents in Umuota Village, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
According to Ikenga, the suspect had already boarded a commercial vehicle and was en route to an unknown destination when he was arrested.
He also stated that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to ascertain his motives and determine whether this incident is part of a larger child trafficking network.
Ikenga further noted that efforts are ongoing to contact the parents or relatives of the recovered child for a possible reunion.
He emphasized that the command is committed to protecting vulnerable members of society, combating child abduction and trafficking, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in the state.