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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a suspected child trafficker, Sunday Onome, who allegedly confessed to selling his friend's child for N1.3 million as part of what investigators describe as a child trafficking network operating across several states.
Onome was apprehended in Onitsha, Anambra State, alongside his girlfriend and son during an operation by the Intelligence Response Unit's Vicious Crime Response Unit. The operation also led to the rescue of two children believed to be victims of an ongoing trafficking scheme.
According to police, the suspect admitted participating in multiple child trafficking operations and claimed he received a total of N3.6 million from two assignments.
He allegedly told investigators that the first transaction involved the son of a close friend, whom he handed over to members of the trafficking syndicate for N1.3 million.
Onome reportedly blamed his involvement in the crime on financial hardship after losing his job as a private driver, saying he was introduced to the illegal network before becoming more deeply involved through a relationship with a woman alleged to be a key coordinator.
The suspect further claimed that subsequent operations involved transporting children across state lines, with instructions received by telephone and payments made directly into his bank account after each assignment.
Police said Onome also alleged that his girlfriend coordinated logistics for the operations, while his son assisted in moving children to agreed locations before they were handed over to other members of the syndicate.
He reportedly confessed that during his latest assignment, he lodged in a hotel in Onitsha with two children while awaiting those expected to receive them before police operatives intercepted and arrested the suspects.
The police said investigations are ongoing to verify the suspect's statements, identify other members of the alleged trafficking network and determine the full scope of its activities.
Authorities described the case as part of a broader crackdown on child trafficking, warning that criminal syndicates are increasingly exploiting personal relationships and informal networks to recruit and traffic children.
The police added that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
