Joshua Simeon has been arrested by Anambra State Police while allegedly attempting to flee with a five-year-old girl he had stolen in Idemili North Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed in a statement on Sunday, January 2, that Simeon was apprehended at a motor park after the authorities received credible intelligence.
According to the statement, the victim, identified as Nkemdilim Jacob, was reportedly taken from her parents in Obosi.
“Acting on reliable information, police operatives from the Ogidi Area Command arrested 32-year-old Joshua Simeon, a resident of Ohaozara in Ebonyi State, at Nkpor Central Park, Idemili North Local Government Area, on February 1, 2025, at around 4 pm,” the statement said.
“The operatives successfully recovered the five-year-old girl, Nkemdilim Jacob, who had allegedly been taken from her parents in Umuota Village, Obosi, Idemili North.”
Simeon had reportedly boarded a commercial vehicle and was on his way to an undisclosed location when he was caught.
The suspect is currently in custody and being questioned to determine his motives and whether the case is connected to a larger child trafficking ring. Authorities are also working to contact the child’s family for a potential reunion.
The police command emphasized its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, combatting child abduction and trafficking, and ensuring the safety of children in the state.
