Police operatives in Enugu have arrested Dr. Emmanuel Ugwumba, a suspect in a child trafficking and forgery operation, within the Udenu Local Government Area. The Enugu State Police Command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, released a statement confirming the details of the arrest, which took place on September 28, 2024. The apprehension was a result of credible intelligence linking Ugwumba to an organized child trafficking network. As investigations continue, authorities emphasize their commitment to resolving the case and providing updates as new information emerges.
Dr. Ugwumba’s arrest arose from a concerning public notice regarding an abandoned child that he published, which was allegedly endorsed by the Enugu State Ministry of Gender and Social Development as the director of an organization called OTZ. The notice was featured in the Daily Sun Newspaper on September 27, 2024. Following his capture, police found Ugwumba was involved with a pregnant woman and had two female children, aged four years and two years, who were subsequently rescued. The nature of these findings raised alarms about his role in a possible trafficking ring.
Further examinations revealed that Ugwumba had claimed to be a medical graduate from the University of Jos, current owner and operator of Chima Hospital and Maternity, situated in Ugbaike Enugu-Ezike within the Igbo-Eze North area. From 2017 to 2024, he had allegedly collaborated with a purported staff member of the Ministry of Gender Affairs and other unnamed accomplices to conduct prenatal care and oversee the deliveries of seven children, whose mothers have yet to be located. This indicates a potentially systemic issue within the healthcare system that goes beyond a single individual’s wrongdoing.
In addition to the child trafficking allegations, Ugwumba was found in possession of a range of documents from the Ministry of Gender Affairs and several unverified pest and vector control certificates purportedly issued by the Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources. The possession of such documents, in conjunction with the alleged child trafficking activities, raises further doubts about his legitimacy as a medical professional and the practices carried out at his hospital.
As investigations advance, the Enugu State Police Command is expected to uncover more details regarding the network to which Ugwumba allegedly belongs. They are likely to probe deeper into the workings of Chima Hospital and Maternity to ascertain whether other illegal activities have been conducted there or if additional individuals might be involved in this child trafficking scheme. The authorities’ proactive stance highlights the urgency to tackle child exploitation and ensure the safety of vulnerable children within the community.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about child trafficking and the responsibilities of medical professionals in safeguarding the welfare of children and mothers. Public awareness campaigns may be necessary to educate citizens about the warning signs of trafficking and encourage reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. The collaboration between law enforcement and community members will play a crucial role in dismantling such networks and preventing future occurrences of this heinous crime. As more developments unfold, the police remain vigilant in pursuing justice for the victims and exploring the extent of Ugwumba’s alleged criminal enterprise.
