The Abia State Police Command has arrested a couple, Blessing and Sunday Emebo, for allegedly operating an unregistered motherless babies’ home in Aba.
The couple was apprehended on May 19 around 11:45 a.m. at their residence on Ikot Ekpene Road, where 12 children were rescued. The operation was carried out by detectives acting on credible intelligence, according to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka.
Chinaka confirmed that the apartment was being used as an illegal facility.
The rescued children, aged between two months and 14 years, were reportedly brought from various communities in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
Among the nine male children found were Ojiugo Caleb (14), Christian Okoro (12), Samuel Okoro (13), Clinton Nkemakolam (9), Godwin Emmanuel (10), Osinachi Nkemakolam (6), Marvelous Emmanuel (5), David Emmanuel (7), and Testimony Emebo (2 months).
The three female children were identified as Ogechi Nkemakolam (9), Chinaza Okoro (9), and Anointing Okoro (7).
All the children have been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care and protection.
Chinaka stated that the suspects are being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Umuahia.
They will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
She also advised parents to be vigilant about their children’s safety and urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving children to law enforcement authorities.