The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) 74 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a pastor named Simon Kado, along with his relative Jesse Simon-Kado, and their driver, Muhammad Isah, over allegations of trafficking underage children,leadership reports.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the operation leading to their arrest occurred in the early hours of Friday, February 9, 2024.
SP Adeh further disclosed that the operatives rescued 12 children, aged between five and 16 years old, who were being transported from Nasarawa State to Ogun State.
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Investigations have revealed that the children, all originating from Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) in Nasarawa State, were being trafficked to an undisclosed location in Ogun State under the directives of Pastor Simon Kado and Jesse Simon-Kado. Both suspects are presently in police custody as investigations continue. Collaborative efforts with the Nasarawa State Police Command are underway to reunite the victims with their families.
Adeh stated: “Operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad 74 intercepted Muhammad Isah, a male from Kafanchan, Kaduna State, in a Toyota Hiace bus with Reg No APP 489 XE, conveying twelve underage children – four male and eight female – to a destination later discovered to be in Ogun State, at around 12:55 am on Friday, February 9.”
She added, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the children, aged between five to 16 years old and all from Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State, were being trafficked to Ogun State by Pastor Simon Kado and Jesse Simon-Kado, who are currently in police custody.”
“While investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Police Command to reunite the victims with their families, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh, emphasizes that the safety of residents remains the top priority.”
