Juliana Francis
The Rivers State Police Command has successfully arrested two suspects involved in a disturbing case of child trafficking in Port Harcourt.
The arrested individuals are Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem, 28, and Uzodinma Eze, also known as Thank-God, 33, from Rivers State.
On Monday, 22nd January 2024, diligent officers from the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Rivers State Police Command conducted a routine Stop and Search Operation along Igwuruta-Eneka Road.
During the operation, their sharp instincts led them to intercept and question Daniel and Uzodinma, who rode a commercial motorcycle from Chokocho, Etche, to Eneka.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, said that in the course of the search, the officers made a shocking discovery.
His words: “Daniel was found carrying a sack bag that contained a one-day-old baby. The baby, still covered in blood, was struggling for breath inside the sack, with the placenta also found alongside.”
Promptly recognising the urgency of the situation, the officers swiftly provided immediate medical attention to the infant, ensuring his safe transportation to the Police Hospital.
The dedicated medical personnel at the hospital skilfully resuscitated the baby, who is now in stable health and receiving the necessary care.
According to Disu, following the arrest, Daniel cooperated with the investigating officers and revealed crucial information about the criminal network involved in the abhorrent act.
Disu narrated: “He disclosed that he had been contacted by a woman known as ‘Mama Destiny,’ a pastry vendor in his locality. Mama Destiny had enlisted his services to transport the sack bag containing the baby to Eneka junction, with instructions to await further contact from an associate who would receive the bag.
“In exchange for his involvement, Daniel was enticed with a payment of N10,000. Further revelations emerged through Daniel’s account. He explained that he was summoned to a location along Egbi Road to finalize the transaction.
“Accompanied by Mama Destiny’s husband, he was driven to Chokocho junction, where he met Uzodinma, the commercial motorbike operator they used for the delivery.
“Daniel, remorseful for his actions, admitted his culpability in the crime, attributing his involvement to greed and the influence of malevolent forces. The Rivers State Police Command commends the unwavering dedication and professionalism exhibited by the officers involved in this operation. Their swift action and astute observations led to the apprehension of these human traffickers and the rescue of an innocent child from a grim fate.”
Disu urged anyone with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation to come forward and cooperate fully with the authorities.
He said: “We reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the lives and welfare of all individuals within our jurisdiction. The Rivers State Police Command will continue to vigorously combat human trafficking and all forms of criminality, ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”
