By Tobias Ekirika
The Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) in Anambra state have arrested the leader of child-stealing syndicate, who gave his name as Sunday Nonye.
Sunday Nonye allegedly kidnapped two children, aged 3 and 5 years, from Umuezeokoha community in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi state, and took them to Anambra state.
But SASA operatives, acting on information, stormed an undisclosed hotel located at the Umusiome area of Nkpor, and arrested the said Sunday Nonye, where he was waiting for his customers to arrive and buy the children.
The suspect and the children were reportedly taken to the SASA office at the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, where he was interrogated before he was handed over to the police CID in Awka.
When this correspondent visited the Onitsha office of SASA to get clarification on the arrest of the syndicate leader, the Director of SASA, Chief Monday Nwokoye, (Ikemba 1 of Okpoto Kingdom)said that the suspect has been handed over to the police CID in Awka; while the two children have been re-united with their parents in Ebonyi state.
Umuezeokoha community in a viral video where seen jubilating as they welcome the stolen children back to their community alive and healthy.
Chief Nwokoye further revealed that the suspect has stolen over 30 children from Ebonyi state, and has sold them to members of his syndicate all over the country, majorly in Rivers, Lagos, Oyo and Edo.
He also disclosed that SASA is working with relevant authorities to track down one Uju, a medical personnel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, who is also named as member of the child-stealing syndicate.
He dedicated their successful strides to Governor Charles Soludo - praising the governor - and saying that Soludo gave them the enabling atmosphere and support that motivated them to give their best services to the state. He promised not to relent until they've gotten rid of criminal elements operating under whatever guise around the state.