Couple and Accomplice Nabbed for Alleged Human Trafficking in Anambra

The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, has transferred a couple and their accomplice to police custody on charges of alleged human trafficking in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area.

This shocking development was revealed in a statement on Facebook by Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, media aide to the Women Affairs Commissioner, Ify Obinabo. The harrowing tale unfolded when community chairman Mr. Arinzechukwu Azodo alerted Commissioner Obinabo to a suspected trafficking operation in the area.

Azodo recounted how his team commander had received reports of suspicious activity, prompting him to inform the commissioner. Acting swiftly, the commissioner directed Azodo to apprehend the suspects, who were on the verge of finalizing a heinous deal worth one million naira.

One suspect, Ebere, admitted to being approached by Temple Nwankwo, who offered to sell her twin baby. Ebere confessed to partnering with Temple and connecting her with a potential buyer. However, Temple denied any involvement in the sordid transaction.

Ebere detailed how she agreed to the plan, linking Temple with a buyer in desperate need of a male child. They arranged to meet at Oye Agu to finalize the deal, but a dispute arose when Temple demanded an upfront payment of one million naira, which the buyer refused without first seeing the baby. This disagreement led to the deal falling apart.

Temple, originally from Enugu State but residing in Ifitedunu, denied any involvement with Ebere, claiming she had only reconnected with her during her pregnancy. She alleged that Ebere had repeatedly sought her help in obtaining a male child, a request she firmly rebuffed. Despite her warnings, Ebere continued visiting her home in her absence.

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Further investigation uncovered disturbing allegations from community members, accusing Temple and her husband, Ndubuisi Nwankwo, of engaging in human trafficking. When questioned about their two missing children, the couple claimed the children had died, but their vague and suspicious responses raised further doubts.

Fight Against Human Trafficking

Deeply distressed by these revelations, Commissioner Obinabo handed the suspects over to the police, reaffirming the state government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating human trafficking. She urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the ministry, underscoring the collective responsibility in combating this grave injustice.