By Sophia Afolabi

In a major breakthrough against child trafficking in Abia State, police operatives have arrested a couple for operating an unregistered orphanage where 12 children, allegedly trafficked from various communities, were discovered and rescued.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Emebo (49) and Sunday Emebo (42), were apprehended on May 19, 2025, at their apartment located along Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba, following a tip-off received by the Abia State Police Command.

Confirming the development in an official statement on Monday, police spokesperson SP Maureen Chinaka said the operation was carried out at approximately 11:45 a.m., and described the facility as an illegal motherless babies’ home.

“Twelve children, aged between two months and 14 years, were found in the custody of the suspects. Preliminary investigations indicate they were brought in from different villages across the Arochukwu area,” the statement read.

The children have since been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, where they are receiving care and protection.

Meanwhile, the couple is currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Umuahia. Police say the suspects will face charges in court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling child trafficking networks in the state and urged residents to report suspicious activities involving minors.

This incident marks another troubling chapter in the fight against illegal adoption rings and underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children across Nigeria.