The Reverend Sister arrested by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, Maureen Wechinwu, has confessed that she paid between N50,000 and N100,000 to buy each of the 15 children found with her.
The suspected child trafficker made the confession when she spoke with newsmen during her parade on Tuesday.
Recall that The Eagle Online had on Tuesday reported that 15 children were rescued from the residence of Wechinwu in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
She said during her parade by the Commissioner, Rivers State Police Command, Friday Eboka: “I run an orphanage with children of mad people.
“Fransisca Onyinyechi, who was given birth to by a mad woman in Ogbogoro community market, is one.
“I cannot say that I am a Reverend Sister now that I am a disgrace.
“But I believe I was earlier.
“I am of the Ladies of Victory Missionary Sisters.
“It is in England, a foreign congregation.
“I am the only Nigerian in it.
“Some of the children are mad people’s children.
“The others are brought to me by one Mr. Victor.
“Sometimes he comes with them in twos.
“One Miss Alice brought two to me.
“Alice said since I am a beginner that I should take them.
“Sometimes when Victor brings children, he will be demanding money.
“But due to the pressure on me sometimes I give N50,000, N60,000, and N100,000.”
Speaking during the parade of Wechinwu, Eboka said the children rescued her were aged between seven and nine.
He said preliminary investigations showed that the children were picked from different parts of the South South and were being sold.
He said it took over 24 hours before the children were able to narrate their experiences to the police, adding that they were being tortured and maybe hypnotised as well.
He said: “On September 3, Operation Restore Peace Personnel of the Command, acting on credible information regarding a hideout of child traffickers, stormed Omuigwe Abuja Phase II, Aluu, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where a lady, who claimed to be Rev. Sister Maureen Wechinwu, aged 44 years, was arrested.
“Fifteen children were rescued and the case transferred to CP Monitoring Unit for discrete investigation.
“Investigation revealed the following facts: Prosper Godwin (m) was abducted at Ikpazasia market in Bayelsa State on 31/10/2020, together with two others whom he does not know their whereabouts, and was taken to the suspect.
“Later, he (Prosper) was sold to a woman in Lagos and then returned to the suspect.
“The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Godwin Ododor, have been contacted and they corroborated the child’s statement.
“Queen Harry (f) was abducted at Ojukwu Field Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt at about 7p.m., while on an errand with the elder sister.
“The mother, Mrs. Florence, have been contacted and she corroborated the facts.
“Miracle John Ohiri (f) was abducted on 19/11/2021 at Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt, opposite Holy Rock Church, along with her mother and two siblings, who have not been seen till date.
“The father, John Ohiri, who has been contacted for identification of the child, corroborated her statement that he reported the incident at Rumuokpakani Police Station.
“Favour Edeze (f) was abducted at Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt 29/04/2022 at about 10a.m., while on an errand.
“The father, one Emeka Edeze, has been contacted and identified his child and also confirmed the incident.
“Chimele Obinna (f) was abducted on 24/04/2022 at Rumuodara/Culvet Oroigwe, Port Harcourt, while seated in front of their house with her sister.
“The mother, Glory Obinna, was contacted and she stated that the incident was reported at Okporo Police Station.”
Eboka said five parents have come to identify their children, adding that others were yet to be located.
The Commissioner of Police urged parents who lost their children to visit the command.
