A suspected child trafficker, Sunday Onome, has confessed to selling his friend’s child for N1.3 million, police say.
Onome was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, alongside his girlfriend and son by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Unit, Vicious Crime Response Unit, VCRU. The operation also led to the rescue of two children believed to be victims of an ongoing trafficking scheme.
According to police, Onome admitted to participating in multiple trafficking operations and claimed to have earned N3.6 million from two assignments.
He alleged that his first deal involved the son of a close friend, whom he handed over to members of a syndicate for N1.3 million. He said job loss as a private driver pushed him into contact with traffickers.
The suspect further claimed he became more involved after entering a relationship with a woman who allegedly coordinated operations with him. He said subsequent assignments involved moving children across states, with instructions given by phone and payments made directly to his bank account.
Onome told investigators that his girlfriend handled logistics, while his son assisted in transporting children to handover points.
During his most recent assignment, he said he lodged in a hotel in Onitsha with two children while waiting for buyers. Police tracked their movements and arrested the suspects before the handover. The two children were rescued.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to verify Onome’s claims, identify other members of the alleged syndicate, and determine the full scope of the network.
The police described the case as part of a broader crackdown on child trafficking, warning that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting trust relationships and informal networks to recruit victims.
Investigations are still ongoing. Police noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
