A child trafficking operation was uncovered by police in the Federal Capital Territory following the arrest of a pastor and three others. According to a statement by police spokesperson CSP Josephine Adeh, the arrest occurred after a distress call was received around 2:00 a.m. on May 24 from staff at Wazobia Motor Park in Gwagwalada. Officials had observed a man behaving suspiciously while trying to travel with a young boy.
Police quickly dispatched an emergency team to the park and arrested Israel Ajah, who was attempting to board a vehicle bound for Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old child. Investigations later revealed that the boy had been handed to him by his elder brother, identified as Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, General Overseer of Wells of Salvation Church in Byazhin Across.
Authorities took Pastor Ajah into custody along with two other suspects: Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru. During a search of Atoo’s home, officers found a second child, a 4-year-old girl. She had no documents or known family links and was referred to as “Mercy,” a name allegedly given to her by the suspect. She is currently under protective care as authorities work to find her real identity and family. The 7-year-old boy, named Muktar Hassan, has since been reunited with his relatives.
Police confirmed that the two children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale. The suspects confessed that Muktar was to be sold for ₦1.2 million, with the transaction reportedly arranged by Deaconess Duru.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the alertness of staff at the motor park and emphasized the importance of community vigilance. He also advised parents and guardians not to send young children out alone. The public has been encouraged to report any unusual behavior to nearby police stations or through the command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, and 07057337653.
