Abuja child trafficking suspect admits collecting ₦250,000 per child, reveals why she returned to operation after previous arrest

LA woman arrested over an alleged child trafficking operation in Abuja has admitted receiving ₦250,000 for every child she brought to a woman identified as Madam Nkechi.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the suspect revealed that she returned to the operation despite previously being arrested over a similar incident.

She claimed she was convinced to return after being told the arrangement was meant to provide shelter and education for children found roaming the streets. According to her, the woman behind the operation claimed to have government approval.

Asked how much she received per child, she replied, “She gave me 250,000 naira.”

When questioned about an earlier ₦1.5 million payment, she explained that the money was shared among several people. She insisted she was told the payments were compensation but could not explain what they were compensating her for.

The suspect also disclosed that she was arrested last year after taking a child. She claimed the case went to court several times before she was allowed to return home after the child was recovered.

Other suspects reportedly identified Madam Nkechi as the recruiter, claiming she promised them money for bringing children described as orphans or street children. Some said they met her at a church in Lugbe, Abuja.