Anthony Iwuoma
The Rivers State Police Command has busted a child trafficking syndicate, involving one Maureen Wechinwu, who claims to be a Catholic Nun.
Wechinwu was among 20 other suspects arrested and paraded in the state for allegedly committingvarious offences.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, disclosed that Wechinwu was arrested at her residence in Aluu Community, Ikwerre Local Council, based on intelligence.
He added that 15 children, aged between seven and nine, who were picked from different parts of the country and being sold out to people were also rescued her home.
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“On September 3, 2022, Operation Restore Peace Personnel of the Command, acting on credible information, regarding hideout of child traffickers, stormed Onuigwe Abuja Phase II, Aluu, in Ikwerre Local Council, where a lady, who claimed to be Rev. Sister Maureen Wechinwu, ‘f’, 44, was arrested,” Eboka said.
“Fifteen children were rescued, while the case file has been transferred to the CP Monitoring Unit for discrete investigation.
“Investigation revealed the following facts: Prosper Godwin (m) was abducted at Ikpazasia market in Bayelsa State, on October 31, 2020, together with two others whom he does not know their whereabouts and was taken to the suspect.
“Later, he (Prosper) was sold to a woman at Lagos and subsequently returned back to the suspect. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Godwin Ododor have been contacted and they corroborated the statement of the child.
“Queen Harry (f) was abducted at Ojukwu filed Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt at about 1900hrs, while on an errand with the elder sister. The mother, Mrs. Florence has been contacted and she corroborated the fact.
“Miracle John Ohiri (f) was abducted on November 19, 2021 at Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt, opposite Holy Rock Church, along with her mother and two siblings, who have not been seen till date.
“The father John Ohiri has been contacted for identification of the child, who corroborated her statement that he reported the incident at Rumuokpakani Police Station.
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“Favour Edeze (f) was abducted at Creek Road Market Port Harcourt on April 29, 2022 at about 1000hrs, while on errand. The father, one Emeka Edeze, has been contacted and identified his child and also confirmed the incident .
“Chimele Obinna (f) was abducted on April 24, 2022 at Rumuodara/ Culvet Oroigwe, Port Harcourt, while seated in front of their house with her sister. The mother Glory Obinna was contacted and she stated that the incident was reported at Okporo Police Station.”
The CP said so far, five parents had come and identified their children and that the police called on parents who lost their children to visit the Command.
However, Wechinwu said: “I run an Orphanage home with children of mad people. Fransisca Onyinyechi, who was given birth to by a mad woman in Ogbogoro community market.”
She added that she has become a disgrace to her people and herself though she insisted that she was not a child trafficker.
“I cannot say that I am a reverend sister now that I am a disgrace. But I believe I used to be.
“I am of the Ladies of Victory Missionary Sisters. It is in England. Foreign Congregation. I am the only Nigerian in it.
“Some of the children are from mentally challenged people. The others were brought to me by one Mr. Victor. Sometimes, he comes with them in twos. One Miss Alice brought two to me. Alice said since I am a beginner that I should take them.
“Sometimes when victor brings children he will be demanding money. But due to the pressure on me sometimes I give N50,000, N60,000, and N100, 000,” she said.
