Delta State Police Rescue Newborn, Arrest Child Traffickers Amid Ongoing Crime Crackdown
ASABA/Nigeria: In a remarkable turn of events, the Delta State police apprehended two women suspected of child stealing and successfully rescued a three-day-old baby on October 1, 2024. The incident unfolded when a vigilant tricycle rider reported suspicious activity at the Ekpan Police Station, leading to a swift police response.
According to a statement from SP Edafe Bright, Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, the tricycle rider observed four women boarding his vehicle. At the Efurun roundabout, two of the women exited, while one handed over a newborn boy to the remaining two. Alarmed by the situation and overhearing a comment regarding a balance payment for the baby, the rider promptly diverted the suspects and the infant to the police station.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, 38-year-old Lauretta Akomen, had purchased the baby for a staggering Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000) from a traditional home in Port Harcourt notorious for exploiting young girls. Akomen further disclosed that she had taken medication to simulate pregnancy in order to facilitate the purchase.
The police operatives, led by DPO CSP Aliyu Shaba, are now in pursuit of an accomplice identified only as Gloria, who facilitated the transaction between Akomen and the traditional home. The two female suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues, with efforts underway to track down additional accomplices involved in this child trafficking ring.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the tricycle rider for his civic responsibility and urged other citizens to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Members of the public can reach the command by visiting their nearest police station or by calling the following numbers:
In a separate operation on September 27, 2024, Delta State police engaged a gang of suspected armed robbers, leading to the death of one suspected kidnapper and the recovery of a firearm. This operation targeted a notorious criminal linked to multiple robberies and kidnappings in the Udu Local Government Area and surrounding regions.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Benson Oghenevwaire, was believed to be part of a syndicate responsible for several violent crimes, including the 2021 robbery at Wetland Microfinance Bank and the assassination of Prince Eric Takerere, son of the Urhughuorun Monarch. Acting on intelligence, CSP Bulus Musa, the Divisional Police Officer of Owvain Aldaja, led a surveillance team to Oghenevwaire’s hideout in Orereokpe, Okpe LGA.
He stated that upon arrival, police operatives encountered heavy gunfire from Oghenevwaire and his accomplices. During the ensuing gun battle, the police were able to subdue the suspects, though some managed to flee with gunshot injuries, while was Oghenevwaire apprehended but sustained severe injuries and later died while receiving treatment at Warri Central Hospital. Authorities recovered an English-made Beretta pistol and two rounds of live ammunition during the operation. A manhunt is currently underway for the remaining members of the gang.
