An individual, Ikejimba Maryvianney (also known as Oluchi), aged 40, posing as a Reverend sister has been apprehended by the Edo Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for allegedly trafficking 38 children in Delta State.
Operating alongside an accomplice named Chidera, who is currently on the run, they entrusted the children to two orphanages, deceiving families into believing that the children would receive better care.
The children were transferred to the suspects by their parents at a farming community located in Enugu-Awka camp near Monastery, Ilah, Delta State.
Following a tip-off, Maryvianney was arrested by NAPTIP.
Nduka Nwanwenne, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander in Benin, confirmed the arrest and custody of the suspect.
The suspect claimed to have received training as a Reverend sister in Ghana, despite the organization’s headquarters being in the Philippines.
She convinced parents to entrust their children to their care, promising better living conditions at the orphanages.
In a bid to gain parents’ trust, the suspects allowed two parents to visit the orphanages where their children would be lodged.
Out of the 38 children, 32 have been rescued by NAPTIP, while six, aged between three and six, are still missing.
The suspect alleges that three of the six children are in Badagry, and the other three in Ogun State; however, claimed they were adopted by individuals in the East.
NAPTIP continues its search for the fugitive accomplice, with plans to press charges once investigations are complete.
Parents have been cautioned to remain vigilant and skeptical of entrusting their children to anyone without thorough scrutiny.