A woman identified as Esther Anthony from the Rumukwachi Community in Port Harcourt has been arrested by the Rivers State Police for allegedly stealing four children in the State.
The children, aged between one and thirteen years, were lodged at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt. They were reportedly intended to be handed over to a nurse named Loveth, who operates a maternity home.
The Managing Director of the guest house became suspicious of Esther Anthony’s actions and refused to allow her to leave with the children without the children’s mother present.
After leaving the guest house, Esther returned with police officers, falsely alleging that the Managing Director had abducted the children and threatened her at gunpoint. However, the Managing Director had already contacted the Choba Area Command, and police officers arrived to arrest Anthony.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Esther Anthony had conspired with an individual named Favour to traffic the children from the Swali Community in Bayelsa State. Another suspect, Purity Silas, was also arrested in this case.
Notably, Esther Anthony has been identified by another family as the same person who previously stole three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to Loveth.
All suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime. The case has been transferred to the State CID in Port Harcourt, and the suspects are currently in police custody. They will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.
According to the spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, this case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Rivers State Police Command to combat child trafficking and ensure justice for victims and their families.
Fortunately, the rescued children have been reunited with their family members.
