Pastor, 3 others arrested as police burst child trafficking syndicate in FCT

Sunday, June 1, 2025 - The Federal Capital Territory police command has arrested a pastor and three others for allegedly running a child trafficking syndicate. 

In a statement released, the spokesperson of the command, CSP Josephine Adeh, said on May 24, at about 2am, a distress call was received by the Gwagwalada Area Command from officials of Wazobia Motor Park, Gwagwalada, reporting a male exhibiting suspicious behaviour while attempting to travel with a young child.

Adeh said that acting swiftly, a Police Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the scene, where one Israel Ajah was arrested while attempting to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a 7-year-old boy in his custody.

‘’Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was handed over to the suspect by his elder brother, one Rev. Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, the pastor and General Overseer (Daddy G.O.) of “Wells of Salvation” Church located in Byazhin Across. Pastor Prince Ajah was promptly arrested alongside two other accomplices identified as Nancy Atoo and Deaconess Vera Duru.

A search conducted at the residence of Nancy Atoo led to the rescue of a second victim, a 4-year-old girl identified only as “Mercy”, a name given to her by the suspect. No documentation or identifying information was found for the child, who is currently in protective custody as efforts are underway to trace her biological family. While Muktar has since been reunited been reunited with his family.

Further investigation revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale. The suspects confessed that Muktar Hassan was to be sold for N1.2 million through arrangements facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru.''

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the vigilance and prompt response of officials at Wazobia Motor Park. He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid sending underage children on errands alone.

Adeh mentioned that FCT residents are enjoined to always report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, or 07057337653.