Police operatives arrest 6 for child stealing in Anambra, rescue 3yr old boy

Operatives of Anambra State police command have arrested six persons suspected to be members of a child stealing and trafficking syndicate.

The Police Public Reactions Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP) revealed this in a press statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

He said that the command has successfully rescued a three-year-old boy earlier reported stolen in Anambra State and arrested six members of a child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across Anambra, Enugu and Lagos States.


“On 4th September, 2025, following a petition from a victim, operatives attached to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Awka, commenced an investigation into the case.

“The petition detailed how the complainant’s daughter had left her three-year-old son in the care of one Samuel Ibe of Umusiome, Nkpor Uno, while she briefly went to her shop. On her return, both the child and the said Samuel were missing.


“Swift investigative actions by the operatives led to the arrest of the said Samuel Ibe. Also, his confessional statement subsequently led to the arrest of his mother, Agatha Ejeweh (35 years), and his younger brother, Ejeweh Chigozie Chidera (15 years).

“The Operatives further extended their investigation to Enugu State, where one Angela Eze aged 30 years, was apprehended for collaborating with one Juliet Onah in facilitating the transfer of the stolen child to Lagos.

“Acting on credible intelligence, the Operatives proceeded to Lagos State, where one suspect named China Cosmas was arrested and the stolen child was successfully rescued,” Ikenga revealed.


The PPRO who said that the child has since been reunited with his family in good health noted that all the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu(CP) has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, even as he warned criminal elements that the state remain unsafe for any form of criminal enterprise.