Police arrest pastor, three accomplices over child trafficking
Abdullateef Fowewe
In a dramatic early morning operation on May 24, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, arresting a pastor and three accomplices while rescuing two young children destined for illegal sale.
The operation according to a statement on Sunday by the Command Spokesman, SP Josephine Adeh, began at around 2:00 a.m. when officials at Wazobia Motor Park, Gwagwalada, reported a suspicious male attempting to travel with a young child.
Police Emergency Response Team swiftly intercepted the suspect, Isreal Ajah, as he tried to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy named Muktar Hassan.
Adeh confirmed that further investigation revealed that the child was handed over by his elder brother, Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, General Overseer of “Wells of Salvation” Church in Byazhin Across.
Pastor Ajah was arrested alongside Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru, who were identified as key members of the trafficking ring.
A search at Nancy Atoo’s residence led to the rescue of a 4-year-old girl, known only as “Mercy,” who had no identification documents and is now in protective custody as authorities work to trace her family.
The suspects confessed that both children were to be trafficked to Owerri for sale, with Muktar Hassan valued at ₦1.2 million in a deal facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru.
The statement reads partly, “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 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.”
However, commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, praised the vigilance of the Wazobia Motor Park officials and urged the public to remain alert.
“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,” Adeh had written.
Residents of the FCT are encouraged to report any suspicious activity through the police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.
