NSCDC arrests orphanage operator in Imo, rescues five pregnant women

NSCDC Arrests Orphanage Operator in Imo State for Alleged Child Trafficking

OWERRI, Nigeria — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State has apprehended a 52-year-old orphanage operator, Tochukwu Ogaranya, on charges of child trafficking. In the operation, the agency also rescued five pregnant women.

Basil Igwebueze, the commandant of NSCDC in Imo State, disclosed the arrests during a news briefing on Saturday. The suspect was arrested alongside an alleged accomplice, 47-year-old Godwin Nnamdi, at an orphanage located in the World Bank area of Owerri, the state capital.

The arrests stemmed from an incident on March 14, when an officer observed a pregnant teenager attempting to flee the facility. This prompted operatives to intervene.

“After our personnel saw a pregnant teenager running out of the orphanage, they acted swiftly, arresting the proprietor and securing the safety of the pregnant women and their newborns,” Igwebueze said.

He characterized child trafficking as a grave offense and urged the public to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. “These crimes can only be identified with community cooperation. We encourage residents to come forward if they notice anything unusual,” he added.

In response to the allegations, Ogaranya denied any misconduct, asserting that the orphanage is properly registered and not involved in trafficking activities.

Igwebuezeze confirmed that the suspects will face court proceedings upon the completion of investigations.

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