-Deborah Akinyosoye
The Imo State Police Command have foiled an attempt by suspected human organ traffickers following the arrest of a 38-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of a 19-year-old girl in Owerri.
Briefing journalists on the development, the command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, in a press statement, informed that on October 10, 2024, following an intelligence, the police encountered a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate in the popular Douglass area inside the state capital.
He stated that the operation led to the arrest of Justine Emmanuel, a 38-year-old male from Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, as a 19-year-old young lady, whose name is withheld for privacy, was rescued.
“The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives on visibility patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs. During the chase, the victim managed to jump from the bus and was immediately rescued,” he stated.
The police spokesperson further informed that the operatives engaged in a hot pursuit, leading to the abandonment of the vehicle and the arrest of one suspect, while others escaped into the nearby bush.
He revealed that the command is currently conducting further investigations to identify additional members of the syndicate and assess the full extent of their criminal activities.
He maintained that the successful rescue underscores the State Police Command’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring community safety.
ASP Okoye used the moment to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities informing that further development will be communicated as the investigation unfolds.