The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking network, rescuing four children and arresting a woman identified as Esther Anthony from Rumukwachi Community, Port Harcourt. Anthony allegedly abducted the children from their home in Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, 2 December 2024, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest of another suspect, Purity Silas, in connection with the crime.
According to the statement, Anthony was also linked to the abduction of three children from another family in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt. She reportedly sold these children to a nurse named Loveth, who operates a maternity home.
The police revealed that the rescued children, aged between one and thirteen years, were found at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt. They were allegedly awaiting transfer to the nurse, Loveth.
The guest house’s managing director became suspicious of Anthony’s actions and refused to allow her to leave with the children, insisting that their mother be present.
The statement read: “The Guest House Managing Director grew suspicious of Esther Anthony’s activities and refused to let her check out with the children, demanding that the mother be present.
“Esther Anthony left and returned with police officers, falsely claiming that the Guest House Manager had abducted the children and threatened her with a gun. However, the Managing Director contacted the Choba Area Command, and officers arrived to arrest Anthony.
“Preliminary Investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with someone named Favour to traffic the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State.
“Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in connection with the case. Notably, Esther Anthony was identified by another family as the same person who had stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth.
“All suspects have confessed to the crime. The case has been transferred to State CID, Port-Harcourt and suspects are currently in police custody. They will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
“This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Rivers State Police Command to combat child trafficking and ensure justice for victims and their families, Meanwhile the children have united with their family members.”
Meanwhile, in a video shared by Rivers journalist Allwell Ene, the eldest of the rescued children recounted that the suspect had lured them by claiming she was taking them to a birthday party for her child.
