Awka—In a swift and decisive operation, police operatives attached to the Ogidi Area Command in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have apprehended a 32-year-old man, Joshua Simeon, for the alleged abduction of a five-year-old girl.
The suspect, identified as a native of Ohaozara in Ebonyi State, was intercepted at the Nkpor Central Motor Park while attempting to flee with the child. According to reports gathered by Hobnob News, Simeon had already boarded a commercial vehicle and was en route to an undisclosed location when law enforcement officers, acting on credible intelligence, confronted and arrested him.
The victim, named Nkemdilim Jacob, was reportedly taken from her parents’ residence in Umuota Village, Obosi, also located within Idemili North Local Government Area. Fortunately, the timely intervention by the police led to her safe recovery.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest in an official statement. He disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing thorough interrogation to ascertain his motives and to investigate any potential links to a broader child trafficking network operating within the state.
“Our primary focus is to determine whether this incident is an isolated case or part of a larger syndicate involved in child abduction and trafficking,” SP Ikenga stated. “The safety and well-being of children in Anambra State remain a top priority for the command.”
Efforts are currently underway to contact the parents or relatives of the recovered child to facilitate a prompt and safe reunion. The police have reassured the public of their unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society and intensifying efforts to combat child abduction and trafficking in the region.
SP Ikenga further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station. “Community cooperation is essential in our fight against crime, especially crimes targeting innocent children,” he added.
