FCT Police arrest pastor, others for child trafficking
By Faith AM
The Federal Capital Territory FCT, Police Command has bursted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested a pastor and other three accomplices.
The command also rescued two children during the operation on Saturday.
This is contained in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
The statement read, “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”.
She further explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the child, Murtala was handed over to the suspect by his elder brother, Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, the pastor and General Overseer of a Church located in Byazhin Across. “Pastor Prince Ajah was promptly arrested alongside two other accomplices identified as Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.
“A search conducted at the residence of Nancy Atoo led to the rescue of a second victim, a 4-year-old girl identified only as “Mercy”, a name given to her by the suspect. No documentation or identifying information was found for the child, who is currently in protective custody as efforts are underway to trace her biological family. While Muktar has since been reunited with his family.
“Further investigation revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale. The suspects confessed that Muktar Hassan was to be sold for ₦1.2 million through arrangements facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, 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”.
