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Officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Akwa Ibom State
paraded yesterday a Catholic priest and 20 others for their alleged
involvement in child theft.
The State Deputy Director, Fubara Duke, said Rev Okono Joseph of St Peter’s Parish of Owerri Catholic Diocese in Imo State, was arrested for buying two boys (three and four years) at N900,000.
Duke, who spoke at the DSS headquarters in Uyo, said the self-styled man of God bought the children from an agent sponsored by Uche Joel Canice Onyekedru from Ogiri in Imo State.
Other suspects are:
Mercy Etim; Collins Edet; Caroline Nkwonna; Cecilla Ngene; Eleka Okoye; Nwaonu Okoro; Adaobi Onyeke; Elizabeth Onubogu, Umeh, Ebele Nwadika, Florence Onyodobi, Emenka Anaefuna, Nnamdi Onuchukwu, Ifeoma Gladys Nweze, Chiyneyen Roseline, Idam Vivian Ogbona and David Ogbuagu.The Assistant Director said in the last eight months, over 60 children had been sold.
Duke said the leader of the syndicate, Onyekedru, could not remember the number of children he has sold.
“He usually operates in conjunction with agents, who liaise with government officials in children homes and maternity hospitals.
“The investigation took our men to Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states before they arrested some of the suspects. Over 20 children were rescued.
“Though some of the suspects are still at large, efforts are being intensified to ensure that they are all arrested.”
He advised parents to be wary of strangers.
The State Deputy Director, Fubara Duke, said Rev Okono Joseph of St Peter’s Parish of Owerri Catholic Diocese in Imo State, was arrested for buying two boys (three and four years) at N900,000.
Duke, who spoke at the DSS headquarters in Uyo, said the self-styled man of God bought the children from an agent sponsored by Uche Joel Canice Onyekedru from Ogiri in Imo State.
Other suspects are:
Mercy Etim; Collins Edet; Caroline Nkwonna; Cecilla Ngene; Eleka Okoye; Nwaonu Okoro; Adaobi Onyeke; Elizabeth Onubogu, Umeh, Ebele Nwadika, Florence Onyodobi, Emenka Anaefuna, Nnamdi Onuchukwu, Ifeoma Gladys Nweze, Chiyneyen Roseline, Idam Vivian Ogbona and David Ogbuagu.The Assistant Director said in the last eight months, over 60 children had been sold.
Duke said the leader of the syndicate, Onyekedru, could not remember the number of children he has sold.
“He usually operates in conjunction with agents, who liaise with government officials in children homes and maternity hospitals.
“The investigation took our men to Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states before they arrested some of the suspects. Over 20 children were rescued.
“Though some of the suspects are still at large, efforts are being intensified to ensure that they are all arrested.”
He advised parents to be wary of strangers.
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