The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) has arrested a 42-year-old man, Sunday Nomen, over alleged involvement in child trafficking.
Nomen, said to be from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, was apprehended on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Parading the suspect at the agency’s headquarters in Onitsha on Monday, March 30, 2026, SASA spokesperson, Karen James, disclosed that the suspect is believed to be part of an inter-state child trafficking syndicate that specialises in the sale of children as young as six months to willing buyers.
She added that two children, aged three and eight, were rescued during the operation after operatives stormed the suspect’s location.
According to James, the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation in which an undercover operative posed as a prospective buyer.
“The suspect, identified as Mr Sunday Nomen, was apprehended in Nkpor in connection with child trafficking following credible intelligence,” she said.
“An operative posed as a buyer for one of the children in his custody, and during negotiations, the suspect was arrested.
“During interrogation, he confessed to purchasing the children for N3.5 million. He also revealed that he brought them to Onitsha to meet an accomplice, identified as Mrs Uju, who allegedly introduced him into the trade.”
She further revealed that preliminary findings showed the children had been temporarily lodged in a hotel in Nkpor while the suspect attempted to contact his accomplice.
James noted that the swift response by SASA operatives led to the successful rescue of the victims, highlighting the agency’s continued efforts to combat crime and protect vulnerable residents in the state.
The suspect is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, where he will remain in custody as investigations continue to track down other members of the trafficking network.
