In a significant development, operatives from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command’s Rapid Response Squad 74 apprehended a pastor, Simon Kado, along with his relative Jesse Simon-Kado and their driver, Muhammad Isah, on charges of child trafficking.
The arrests took place on Friday after the police intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus, registered under the number APP 489 XE, carrying twelve underage children—eight girls and four boys—ranging in age from five to 16 years. The children were being transported from Nasarawa State to Ogun State.
According to a statement by FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, preliminary investigations revealed that the children, hailing from Akwanga LGA in Nasarawa State, were victims of trafficking orchestrated by Pastor Simon Kado and Jesse Simon-Kado.
As the investigation progresses, efforts are underway, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command, to reunite the children with their families.
Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, emphasized that the safety of residents remains a top priority, reaffirming the commitment of law enforcement to combat crimes such as child trafficking.
This arrest comes amidst a recent surge in kidnapping and banditry within the FCT. Notably, in January 2024, FCT Police Special Intervention Squad neutralized three notorious bandits in the Bwari forest area, and a kidnap kingpin, Janari, along with his accomplices, were eliminated during operations conducted by Operation Whirl Punch in Kaduna State.
The FCT Police continue to intensify efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
