The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested one Mrs. Esther Anthony in Rumukwachi Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State in connection with alleged child trafficking.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko said this on Monday, December 2, 2024 in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She stated that police operatives rescued children ranging from one to 13 years old at Alaeze Guest House in Rumukwachi, Port Harcourt where they were lodged.

Kristina Reports gathered that the Managing of the Guest House became suspicious about Esther Anthony’s activities, when she refused to let her check out with the children when the rooms she booked expired, demanding that the mother be present.

This unsettled the suspect, who then went and called the Police, claiming that the Manager had abducted her children, and was also threatening her with a gun.

This angered the Manager, who now contacted the Choba Area Command, who came and arrested Mrs. Anthony after a thorough investigation of the matter.

Further investigations showed that Mrs. Anthony had conspired with someone named Favour to traffick the children from Swali Community in Bayelsa State.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, further disclosed that the Rivers State Police Command also arrested another suspect named Purity Silas in connection with the case.

In another twist, a family member has also identified Esther Anthony as having stolen three of their children in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt and sold them to one Liveth.

According the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, all suspects have confessed to the crime and have been transferred to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence (SCIID) in Port Harcourt.