Authorities in Abia State have successfully rescued twelve children from an alleged unregistered motherless babies' home and arrested two suspects in connection with the operation. The rescue, conducted by operatives of the Abia State Police Command, took place on May 19, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m. at an apartment on Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba, following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Emebo, a 49-year-old female, and Sunday Emebo, a 42-year-old male, were found operating the illegal home. According to a statement released by the police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the twelve children rescued were reportedly from different villages in Arochukwu Local Government Area. The children range in age from two months to 14 years.

The rescued children include nine males and three females. The male children are Ojiugo Caleb (14 years), Christian Okoro (12 years), Samuel Okoro (13 years), Clinton Nkemakolam (9 years), Godwin Emmanuel (10 years), Osinachi Nkemakolam (6 years), Marvellous Emmanuel (5 years), David Emmanuel (7 years), and Testimony Emebo (2 months old). The female children are Ogechi Nkemakolam (9 years), Chinaza Okoro (9 years), and Anointing Okoro (7 years).

Following their rescue, the children have been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women’s Affairs for proper care and custody. The suspects, Blessing and Sunday Emebo, are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Umuahia. They are expected to be arraigned in court at the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the reduction of crime and criminality within the state. DSP Maureen Chinaka advised the public to remain security-conscious, ensure the safety of children, and avoid leaving them with unfamiliar persons. The command urged citizens to report any suspicious individuals or activities involving children to the police or utilize the provided hotlines to help prevent crime.