NIS Nabs Child-Trafficker with Three Week Old Child At High Sea
The marine patrol team of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), in Cross River State has apprehended a suspected child trafficker with a three-week old baby at the high sea, on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
During a press briefing by the Cross River Comptroller of NIS, Mr. Okey Ezugwu, he revealed that the suspect, identified as Mrs. Maureen Awokara was arrested by the marine patrol officers at the high sea, after she was unable to give a comprehensive explanation on the true ownership of the baby in her possession.
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The suspect who said she is a native of Imo state claimed that the baby belongs to her sister, one Chioma Iweh, but preliminary investigation has established this to be untrue, as all the telephone lines she provided to reach the said sister are not connecting. Efforts to also contact other family members to seek clarification has proved abortive due to her lack of cooperation.
Comptroller Ezugwu stated that their investigation gives them reason to believe that this is a case of child trafficking, as both the baby and the suspected trafficker will be handed to NAPTIP for further investigation.
The service is of the believe that this could be a cartel deal with the suspected trafficker stating at different times to be heading to Cameroon and Gabon.
CIS Ezugwu noted they are looking at a situation whereby traffickers are now trying to use the waterways, after finding it difficult to infiltrate the airports and land borders, due to the NIS’ strong surveillance and checks in those areas.
According to the statement signed by the service public relations officer, DCI Sunday James, the NIS urged parents to always watch over their children with love and care, and shun the practice of conniving with trafficker for monetary purposes.
By PRNigeria
