The Ondo State Police Command has rescued a four-year-old girl, Jesinta Sunday, who was allegedly sold in Asaba for ₦3.7 million.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Akure, noting that two suspects were in custody while investigations continued.
The case dates back to February 3, 2025, when Sunday Kingsley reported his daughter missing while she was living with his wife, Sunday Happiness. Following the report, the case was transferred to the Monitoring Unit for investigation and later taken before the Family Magistrate Court in Akure. Jesinta’s mother, Nneka Onah, and Sunday Happiness were remanded at the Ondo Correctional Centre before being granted bail.
A major breakthrough came on July 9, when Kingsley sighted his missing daughter in Asaba. Police detectives from the Gender Desk Team swung into action, recovering the child safely and arresting 30-year-old Amaka Chukwuemeka.
Chukwuemeka confessed to purchasing the child for ₦3.7 million, claiming she was introduced to the deal by her friend, 38-year-old Chinaza Owoh. She further alleged that the child had been handed over by 58-year-old Mabel Esimai, who provided forged adoption documents to complete the transaction.
Investigations revealed that Esimai received the child from another woman, 37-year-old Chioma Okechukwu, with instructions to secure a buyer.
According to Ayanlade, these findings exposed a coordinated child trafficking network operating across Ondo, Delta, and Anambra states. He commended the Gender Desk Team for their diligence and swift action, stressing that the command remains committed to dismantling child trafficking syndicates.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed investigators to identify every collaborator and ensure they face justice. Ondo State will not tolerate child trafficking in any form,” Ayanlade added.