The Abia State Police Command have arrested a man for allegedly trying to sell his 16-month-old biological daughter.
It was reported that the man and three others were apprehended by the police over an alleged attempt to traffic the child.
The four suspects were nabbed by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Unit, at a hotel in Obi, Obingwa Local Government Area of the state on September 7, 2026.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Saturday.
The commissioner who assumed office on August 10, said the “suspects had been transferred from the Central Police Station, Umuahia, in connection with alleged conspiracy and child trafficking.”
According to him, preliminary investigation established that the child was the biological daughter of one of the suspects.
The commissioner further stated that the investigation showed that the alleged attempt to traffic the child was motivated by the desire to make money.
The child was rescued by the police and subsequently placed in the custody of the Ministry of Women Affairs for protection and appropriate care.
The four suspects remained in police custody as investigators continued to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to sell and traffic the child and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The case highlights concerns over child trafficking and exploitation, particularly allegations involving individuals responsible for the welfare and protection of children.
READ ALSO: Oyo Police Bust Child Trafficking Ring, Rescue 17 Children
Afolabi also disclosed that the command had recorded “more than 152 criminal cases and arrested over 220 suspects since his assumption of office.”
He said many of the cases had already been investigated and charged to court.
The commissioner added that the command had rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 101 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, and recovered six stolen vehicles, including tricycles and motorcycles.
He further said the command had dismantled two criminal networks within the period.
Afolabi also disclosed the “rescue of a medical doctor allegedly abducted by armed men on August 19.”
He said the victim was forced into his vehicle before the abductors fled towards Imo State.
According to the commissioner, “vehicle-tracking technology and coordinated intelligence operations involving the Abia and Imo State police commands led to the recovery of the vehicle and the rescue of the victim in the early hours of August 20.”
He said several persons allegedly linked to the incident had been arrested, including individuals suspected of assisting with the movement or distribution of ransom money.
Afolabi added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network.
The commissioner said the command would continue its operations against criminal elements and strengthen intelligence-led policing to protect residents and bring suspected offenders to justice.