NSCDC in Imo arrests orphanage owner and accomplices, rescues five newborns and six pregnant women in alleged child trafficking operation

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State has taken into custody an orphanage owner, Tochukwu Ogaranya, 52, along with five pregnant women, aged between 25 and 33, over allegations of child trafficking.

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Five newborn babies were also rescued during the operation.

The NSCDC Commandant in Imo, Mr Basil Igwebueze, disclosed on Saturday that the suspects, including an alleged accomplice, Godwin Nnamdi, 47, were apprehended at an orphanage in the World Bank area of Owerri.

The operation followed an incident where a pregnant teenager fled the orphanage, prompting the NSCDC to investigate.

“This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner, and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies,” Igwebueze said.

He described child trafficking as a “heinous crime” and urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly.

Ogaranya, however, denied the allegations, stating that her orphanage is certified and not involved in trafficking.

She explained that one of the pregnant women, 33-year-old Chiamaka, had escaped from an alleged abuser in Abia State and was brought to the orphanage for safety.

Chiamaka claimed she was introduced to the orphanage by someone she barely knew and alleged that she was expected to deliver and sell the baby before she escaped.

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Igwebueze confirmed that the suspects would be arraigned for prosecution as the NSCDC continues to clamp down on trafficking networks in the state.