Police Arrest Six Over Alleged Sale of Eight-Year-Old Nasarawa Boy for ₦3m

A suspected child trafficking ring has been uncovered following the arrest of six people over the alleged sale of an eight-year-old boy from Nasarawa State for ₦3 million, police authorities have confirmed.

The case came to light after intelligence reports indicated that a missing child from Nasarawa was being held in protective custody by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Abia State Police Command.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X on Monday, stating that the information reached security agencies on 14 January after the child was located in Abia State.

Child traced from Nasarawa to Abia

According to the report, the boy, identified as Jeremiah Bikwo, told investigators during questioning that he was from Loko, in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Further police checks later confirmed that the child hails from Ogobo Village, also in Loko LGA.

Following the lead, detectives expanded their investigation to Abia State. By 17 January, investigators allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting the child had been sold for ₦3 million, prompting coordinated arrests.

Six suspects in custody

Police sources revealed that six suspects have so far been taken into custody in connection with the alleged trafficking.

Those arrested include Chilaka Calista Nneka (33), Chigbu Cynthia (36), Michael Ibeh Chioma (52), and Victoria Ositadinma (53), all residents of Abia State.

The remaining suspects, Alhassan Bama (35) from Ogobo Village and Jacob Jonah (38) from Olegefe Village, are both from Loko LGA in Nasarawa State.

Investigators say the suspects have confessed to various roles in the alleged sale and movement of the child.

Investigation widens

Police authorities confirmed that all suspects remain in custody while investigations continue, with efforts under way to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected trafficking network.

The rescued child is reported to be safe and under protection, as law enforcement agencies work to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.

The case has renewed concerns over child trafficking across state lines and the vulnerability of children in rural communities.