A suspected child trafficker, Sunday Onome, has allegedly admitted selling his friend’s child for N1.3 million, in a case police say has uncovered a growing child trafficking network operating across different states.
Police officers from the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Unit, Vicious Crime Response Unit (VCRU), arrested Onome in Onitsha, Anambra State, along with his girlfriend and son. The operation also led to the rescue of two children believed to be victims of an ongoing trafficking scheme.
During questioning, Onome allegedly confessed to taking part in several child trafficking operations. He claimed he made N3.6 million from two assignments.
He said the first deal involved the son of a close friend, adding that he handed the child over to members of the syndicate for N1.3 million.
According to Onome, he turned to the illegal trade after losing his job as a private driver and facing financial hardship. He also claimed he became more involved after starting a relationship with a woman who allegedly helped coordinate the operations.
He told investigators that later assignments involved moving children across state lines. He alleged that instructions came through phone calls and that payments were sent directly to his bank account after each job.
Onome also claimed his girlfriend handled logistics within the network, while his son helped move children to agreed locations before they were handed over to other operatives.
He further admitted that during his latest assignment, he stayed at a hotel in Onitsha with two children while waiting for people who were expected to receive them.
Police said they tracked the suspects, arrested them before the planned handover, and rescued the children.
Investigators said they are still working to confirm Onome’s claims, identify other suspected members of the trafficking syndicate, and determine the full scale of its activities.
Authorities described the case as part of a wider crackdown on child trafficking. They warned that criminal groups are increasingly taking advantage of trusted relationships and informal networks to target victims.
Police also stressed that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
