Fake Doctor Arrested, 10  Children Rescued, As Police Bursts Syndicate In Anambra

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command on Monday, February 17, 2025 announced the dismantling of a notorious child trafficking syndicate in the State.

This is even as they rescued no fewer than 10 children who were about to be trafficked by the gang.

At an interactive session with the media in Awka, the State Capital, the new Police Commissioner, CP Okoye Orutigu, also, informed that three members of the syndicate have been apprehended.

According to him, the three arrested gang members, are currently assisting the Service in its further investigations into their activities.

The CP, noted that the suspects are being held in connection with their plans to traffic the 10 rescued children to other parts of the country.

“I am pleased to address you and Ndi Anambra today on yet another breakthrough in our commitment towards protecting vulnerable children and combating human trafficking in the State.

Operatives attached to 3-3 Divisional Headquarters on an intelligence-driven operation on 15/2/2025 arrested one Mr Odinakachukwu Okorie “m”, Ifunanya Ogbonna “f”, and a fake Medical Doctor Mr Daniel Ikebuilo “m”, and rescued 10 malnourished children in an apartment in Inland-town Onitsha

“The Divisional Police Headquarters had been monitoring one of the suspects, Odinakachukwu, in the area on the receipt of a report on 28/07/2024 about a missing 6-year old boy in the neighbourhood.

“The operatives having enough evidence quickly arrested Odinakachukwu Okorie on the receipt of the second complaint on 13 /2/2025 of a missing 5-year old girl in the same area.

“During interrogation, the suspect mentioned Ifunaya as part of the child-stealing syndicate. Further investigation led to the rescue of both children earlier reported missing and the arrest of Mr Daniel Ikebuilo (a fake Doctor).

“Before then, Odinakachukwu and Ifunanya confessed to have perfected their plans to flee with the 5 year old girl to Abuja.

“Ifunanya also confessed to having sold the child for one million naira to Mr Daniel

The Police, still acting on information gathered, further rescued eight children in an apartment in Inland town Onitsha”, the CP stated .

The State Commissioner of Police explained that the rescued children have been handed over to the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs for medical attention care  and custody, pending when the children would recover from their ordeal.

While emphasising on the imperativeness of effective collaboration between the police and the people in fighting crimes, CP Orutigu called on those with cases of missing children to come forward.