Cross River Couple Paraded for Alleged Child Trafficking, Plot to Sell Two Children Exposed

The Cross River State Police Command has paraded a couple, Idongesit Akpan and his wife, Angela, for alleged child stealing and trafficking. The couple was accused of luring their Facebook acquaintance, Ms. Blessing Godday, to Akamkpa under the guise of offering her a job, only to separate her from her two young sons, aged five and three, and plot their sale.

According to Commissioner of Police Gyogon Grimah, the incident occurred on December 6, 2024, when the suspects took Godday and her children to Aba, Abia State. When Godday could no longer find her children, she returned to Akamkpa, tracked down the suspects’ residence, and reported to the police.

Investigations revealed that the couple had a history of child trafficking. Grimah disclosed that they had previously sold a six-year-old child for ₦800,000 and were planning to sell Godday’s sons for ₦2.4 million before being apprehended.

The commissioner condemned child trafficking as a crime against humanity and vowed that such acts would not be tolerated. “Child stealing and trafficking are heinous crimes that must be eradicated from our society,” he said.

During the press briefing, Akpan admitted to the crime but claimed it was their first attempt at child stealing. “We regret our actions deeply,” he stated.

The police command also reported its efforts throughout the year, including charging 399 cases to court, securing 15 convictions, and referring 48 cases to the Director of Public Prosecution for further action.

This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and the urgent need for societal efforts to combat child trafficking and related crimes.