Breaking: Child Trafficking Ring Busted, Four Children Rescued in Niger
Niger State Police have arrested two women in Suleja on suspicion of child trafficking and ritualism, rescuing four children. The suspects claimed the children were for adoption, but investigations revealed a shrine and fetish items, contradicting their story.
Operatives from the intelligence department of the Niger State Police Command successfully arrested two suspected child traffickers and ritualists, rescuing four children aged between 4 and 7 years. The arrests occurred on June 3, 2026, in the Suleja Local Council of the state, specifically behind the old Nepa area.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Spokesperson for the command, identified the suspects as Mrs. Promise Chukwudi, 68, and Mrs. Suzanna Onojekwo, 62, both residents of Suleja. The rescued children were discovered at Mrs. Suzanna Onojekwo's residence.
During initial questioning, the suspects claimed that the children had been released to them for adoption by their parents, who were all natives of Karim-Lamido in Gassol Local Council of Taraba State. This alleged adoption took place between November 2025 and February 2026. Mrs. Onojekwo further stated that she had previously operated an orphanage named Precious Promise Nursery, Primary and Orphanage Home in 2022, which she claimed resumed operations in November 2025. Additionally, she asserted that she was a licensed herbal medicine practitioner, providing local remedies for various ailments.
However, subsequent investigations by the police revealed contradictory information. Parents from Abuja, Nasarawa, and Benue states came forward, claiming the children, directly refuting the suspects' adoption claims. Furthermore, a search of Mrs. Onojekwo's residence uncovered a shrine, along with various fetish items including animal skulls, pieces of multi-coloured clothing, and bird feathers, which raised suspicions of ritualistic practices.
The Niger State Police Command has since transferred the suspects to the Police Headquarters in Minna for a discreet and thorough investigation. The rescued children have been placed under the care of a child rights agency, as efforts continue to identify their rightful parents. The suspects have also been formally charged in court to face prosecution for their alleged crimes.