Police arrest Pastor, three others over child trafficking
City Beats
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Response Team has arrested Prince Bassey Ajah, the pastor and General Overseer (Daddy G.O.) of “Wells of Salvation” Church located in Byazhin Across.
The pastor handed over a seven-year-old boy to his younger brother, Israel Ajah who was arrested while attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with the boy in his custody.
The Pastor was promptly arrested with two other accomplices Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.
According to the police, search conducted at the residence of Nancy Atoo led to the rescue of a second victim, a four-year-old girl identified only as “Mercy”, a name given to her by the suspect.
No documentation or identifying information, the police said was found for the child, who is currently in protective custody as efforts are underway to trace her biological family.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh in a statement on Saturday said: “On the 24th of May 2025, at about 2:00 a.m., a distress call was received by the Gwagwalada Area Command from officials of Wazobia Motor Park, Gwagwalada, reporting a male exhibiting suspicious behavior while attempting to travel with a young child.
“Acting swiftly, a Police Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the scene, where one Isreal Ajah was arrested while attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy in his custody.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was handed over to the suspect by his elder brother”.
Adeh said Muktar has since been reunited with his family.
She said further investigation revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale, adding that the suspects confessed that Muktar Hassan was to be sold for ₦1.2 million through arrangements facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru.
Adeh said: “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Adewale, commended the vigilance and prompt response of officials at Wazobia Motor Park. He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid sending underage children on errands alone.
“FCT residents are enjoined to always report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.”
