Police in Imo state has arrested a 55-year-old woman, Mrs Chinyere Ohanyere, popularly known as Madam Chichi, for allegedly buying a set of twins.
A source, who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard that Ohanyere was arrested on Tuesday last week at Graceland Estate, Owerri, following a tip-off.
Ohanyere, a native of Oguta Local Government Area of the state, allegedly pretended to have given birth to the twins on September 3 at Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
The source said the suspect was arrested alongside an alleged accomplice, Adaeze Ohanyere, and one other person, while the twins, a boy and girl, were recovered.
“The operatives of the command got a tip-off, stormed her house and arrested them.
“She claimed she gave birth to the twins on September 3 at Irete.
“But when she was subjected to medical examination, it was discovered that she wasn’t delivered of the twins. She bought the kids,” the source stated.
The children had been taken to an orphanage for proper care, police were looking for the kids’ seller.
Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Michael Abattam, confirmed the incident.
The case has been referred to the magistrate court of Imo State where the accused is standing trial for alleged child trafficking.
Further investigation revealed that the kids could’ve been adopted from Abia State, though the detail is still sketchy at the time of writing this report.
It’s been further confirmed that those behind the case are using every strategy including intimidation to avert justice and therefore, concerned individuals have called on NGOs and other government agencies to join the case to make sure justice is done.
The case was adjourned expected to 6 and 7 Oct. at Magistrate court 3 in Owerri for further trial.
