The Federal Capital Territory Police Command rescued five abducted juveniles and arrested two individuals, Ms. Elizabeth Ojah and Ms. Kulu Dogonyaro, for attempting to traffic children.
In February, news outlets reported that agents from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, linked with Rapid Response Squad 74, apprehended Simon Kado, a preacher, along with his relative Jesse Simon-Kado and their driver, Muhammad Isah, on suspicion of child trafficking.
The suspects were apprehended while smuggling twelve minors from Nasarawa State to Ogun State—eight girls and four boys, ages five to sixteen.
In a statement released on Thursday by SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Federal Capital Territory Command, the two female suspects, Ms. Kulu Dogonyaro and Ms. Elizabeth Ojah, were taken into custody by the operatives on April 27, 2024, at around 8:00 p.m. near the Kagini Junction in Abuja. While trying to transport the five youngsters into the Federal Capital Territory, the suspects were apprehended.
“The suspects, who initially attempted to escape arrest from the Sokoto Police operatives, were finally apprehended by our eagle-eyed officers in Abuja,” SP Adeh said.
Reunited with their families, the rescued children, ages six to twelve, have been given over to the Sokoto State Police Command for further investigation.
“We are working closely with our counterparts in Sokoto State to ensure that the children are safely returned to their loved ones,” said the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Benneth C. Igweh, in the statement.
Commissioner Igweh asked guardians and parents to be on the lookout for suspicious activity and to notify the police right away.
The CP restated the command’s resolve to fight crimes in the FCT, including child trafficking. “We are committed to working nonstop to guarantee the safety and security of every resident, particularly our kids,” he emphasized.
Once the investigations are finished, the suspects who are presently being held by the police will face charges in court. The FCT command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, assuring that the police will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of all.
