Juliana Francis
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a self-acclaimed Reverend Sister identified as Maureen Wechinwu for alleged trafficking of 15 children.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, during a press conference today 5th of September 2022, explained that the 44-year-old Reverend Sister was arrested following a tip-off after which policemen stormed the hideout where the victims were allegedly held captive.
His words: “On the of 3rd September 2022, Operation Restore Peace Operatives of the Command, acting on credible information regarding hideout of child traffickers, stormed Omuigwe Abuja Phase II, Aluu, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where a lady who claimed to be Reverend Sister Maureen Wechinwu, 44, was arrested. Fifteen children were rescued and the case has been transferred to CP Monitoring Unit for discrete investigation.”
The Police mentioned the names of the children for identification as Prosper Godwin, nine years old, Queen Harry, seven years old, Miracle John Ohiri, eight years old, Perculia Michael, eight years old, Chimobi Mattew, seven years old, Justice Peter Wechinwu, four years old, Chukwuemeka Wechinwu, four years old, Favour, nine years old, Onyebuchi Wechinwu, seven years old, Madubochi Wechinwu, 10 years old, Francisca Wechinwu, 12 years old, Emmanuel Wechinwu, six years old, Prosper Godwin, eight years old, Queen Harry, seven years old, Chinwendu Wechinwu, 15 years old, Ogadinma Destiny Wechinwu, five years old and Chiemele Obinna.
Eboka explained: “Prosper Godwin was abducted at Ikpazasia Market in Bayelsa State on 31st October 2020, together with two others whom he does not know their whereabouts and was taken to the suspects. Later, he was sold to a woman at Lagos and subsequently returned back to the suspect. The parents Mr. and Mrs. Godwin Ododor have been contacted and corroborated the statement of the boy. Queen Harry was abducted at Ojukwu filed Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt at about 7:p.m while on an errand with the elder sister. The mother, Mrs. Florence has been contacted and she corroborated the facts.”
Speaking on Miracle John Ohiri, Eboka said that the girl was abducted on 19th November 2021 at Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt, opposite Holy Rock Church, along with her mother and two siblings, who have not been seen till date. The father, John Ohiri, has been contacted for identification of the child. John also corroborated her statement, adding that he reported the incident at Rumuokpakani Police Station.
The CP also stated that Favour Edeze was abducted at Creek Road Market Port Harcourt on 29th of April, 2022 at about 10:am, while on errand. The father, Emeka Edeze, has been contacted and identified his child and also confirmed the incident.
The next victim, Chiemele Obinna, was abducted on 24th April 2022, at Rumuodara/culvet Oroigwe, Port Harcourt, while seated in front of their house with her sister. The mother, Glory Obinna, was contacted and she stated that the incident was reported at Okporo Police Station.
“We are yet to locate the parents of the remaining 10 children for identification. Investigation in ongoing with the view of arresting other suspects linked in the case,” said Eboka.
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