The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended Reverend Pastor Prince Bassey Ajah, General Overseer of Wells of Salvation Church, alongside Deaconess Vera Duru and two others, for their alleged involvement in a child trafficking operation.

The arrests followed a distress call received on May 24 from officials at Wazobia Motor Park in Gwagwalada, who reported a man displaying suspicious behavior while attempting to travel with a young child. Police officers dispatched to the scene arrested Israel Ajah, the pastor’s younger brother, as he tried to board a vehicle to Owerri, Imo State, with a seven-year-old boy named Muktar Hassan.

Investigations revealed that the child had been handed over to Israel by his elder brother, Reverend Ajah. Further inquiries led to the arrest of Deaconess Duru and another accomplice, Nancy Atoo. A search of Atoo’s residence resulted in the rescue of a four-year-old girl identified only as “Mercy,” a name given to her by the suspect. The child lacked any documentation or identifying information and is currently in protective custody while efforts are made to locate her biological family.

Police reports indicate that the suspects confessed to plans of selling Hassan for ₦1.2 million, with arrangements facilitated by Duru. FCT Police Commissioner Ajao S. Adewale commended the swift action of the Wazobia Motor Park officials and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

The rescued children are receiving care, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all individuals involved in the trafficking network are brought to justice.