The Imo State Police Command has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of citizens in the state. In a press briefing led by the spokesperson of the command, it was revealed that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Aboki Danjuma, significant strides have been made in reducing crime in the state. The latest briefing presented two separate and distressing cases involving three suspects.
The first case involved a shocking incident of child abuse. Mrs. Blessing Emmanuel, a secondary school teacher, was arrested following a disturbing report from an activist journalist, Chidegube Okukoma. Mrs. Emmanuel is accused of dehumanizing her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Amarachi Emmanuel. The abuse, which was brought to light after an investigation by the Ore Area Command, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of minors under the care of individuals in positions of trust. Mrs. Emmanuel has admitted to the offense, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the situation. The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding children and urged the public to report any signs of abuse or neglect promptly.
In a separate development, the police also paraded a suspect involved in a suspected organ harvesting syndicate. On October 10, 2024, police operatives dismantled the syndicate in the Douglas area of Imo State. During the operation, one suspect, Justin Emmanuel, a 39-year-old man from Ami, Ikeduru Local Government Area, was arrested, and a 19-year-old female victim was rescued. The victim managed to escape after jumping out of the vehicle used by the suspects. The operatives pursued the suspects, leading to the arrest of Justin Emmanuel, while other members of the gang fled into a nearby bush. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining culprits and assess the extent of their criminal activities.
The Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hon Nkechinyere Ugwu who spoke on behalf of the First Lady of Imo State H.E Barrister Mrs. Choma Uzodimma, expressed her satisfaction with the arrest of the suspects. She praised the swift action of the police and reiterated the importance of public vigilance in reporting cases of abuse, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals such as children. Hon Ugwu also condemned the complicity of the stepfather in the child abuse case, emphasizing that he should also face the law for failing to protect his stepdaughter.
The Commissioner assured the public that her ministry would provide full support to the victims. She confirmed that the ministry had already extended assistance to the abused child during her hospital stay, and would ensure her future welfare, including her education and overall rehabilitation.
The Imo State Police Command has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Further updates on the ongoing investigations into these cases will be provided in due course.