The police in Akwa Ibom have arrested a pastor, Mrs Mmayen Etim Odiuotip and five other persons for alleged child theft/trafficking.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP N-Nudam Fredrick in a press release on Saturday said the suspects were arrested following an intelligence report in June this year.
Other suspects include Esther Effanga Esin, Rose Bassey Asuquo, Ubong Stephen Akpan, Samuel William and Eno Peter.
According to CSP Fredrick, one Rose Bassey Asuquo Ekpenyong, said to be the kingpin child trafficking syndicate, allegedly sold a stolen baby in 2018 to Pastor Mmayen Etim Udiuotip of Land of Testimony Ministry, Marina Road, Oron.
“The said Pastor who was swiftly arrested confessed to the offence and opened a can of worms that the baby was bought for her sister, one Esther Effanga Esin.
“Consequently, the Operatives swung into action and apprehended her while the baby was rescued,” the police spokesperson said.
He urged members of the public to give useful information to the Police Command that will help in apprehension of other perpetrators of Child Theft/Trafficking in the state.
