Authorities in Abuja have thwarted a child trafficking operation and arrested four individuals, including a church leader, following a swift police response in the early hours of Saturday.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said it received a distress alert around 2:00 am from Wazobia Motor Park in Gwagwalada, where a man was acting suspiciously while attempting to travel with a young boy.

According to a statement by police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, operatives from the emergency response team acted immediately and detained the suspect, identified as Isreal Ajah.

He was caught trying to board a vehicle heading to Owerri, Imo State, with a seven-year-old boy.

“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,” Adeh stated.

Following further investigation, law enforcement officials conducted a search at the residence of Nancy Atoo.

There, they found another victim: a four-year-old girl known only as ‘Mercy,’ a name assigned to her by the suspects.

Adeh added, “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 with his family.”

The investigation revealed that both children were being trafficked for sale in Owerri.

The suspects allegedly admitted to planning to sell seven-year-old Muktar Hassan for ₦1.2 million, with Deaconess Vera Duru orchestrating the deal.

“Further investigation revealed that both children were being trafficked to Owerri for sale.”

“The suspects confessed that Muktar Hassan was to be sold for ₦1.2 million through arrangements facilitated by Deaconess Vera Duru,” Adeh disclosed.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, praised the vigilance of the motor park officials and the quick intervention by police operatives.

He also issued a warning to parents and guardians, urging them to be cautious and avoid sending minors on errands alone.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a stern warning to controversial Nigerian entertainer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington, urging him to honour its invitation over a disturbing viral video.

The agency is investigating a statement made by the singer earlier this week, in which he claimed to have slept with a 15-year-old virgin, sparking outrage across social media platforms.

In a letter signed by the Head of the Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, and dated Wednesday, Speed Darlington was directed to appear at NAPTIP’s headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, at 9:00 am on Friday, May 31, 2025, for questioning.

Despite the formal summons, NAPTIP said it would not hesitate to escalate the matter should the artist fail to comply.

“Mr. Darlington Okoye (AKA Speed Darlington) is urged to respond to the official invitation issued on May 28, 2025, regarding a viral video and others in which he admitted to sexually abusing a minor.”

“Failure to respond may lead to further action,” the agency posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, sharing a copy of the summons letter.

As at the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the invitation had been formally served or received by the entertainer.

Speed Darlington, however, responded indirectly through a post on his X account, insisting on his innocence.

“Being against me does not change the fact that I’m innocent,” he wrote on May 29, 2025.

In a video released afterward, he pushed back at critics and questioned the intensity of the backlash he’s receiving, especially from the southern part of Nigeria.

“If I knew 15 would get me this much attention, I for say 12 make una head catch fire. Na because I dey Southern Nigeria, would you come at me like this if we were in Sokoto?” he said in a visibly agitated tone.

Following the criticism, the entertainer also claimed the controversial statement was a joke and a deliberate attempt to stir controversy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre in the wake of the catastrophic flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has claimed more than 100 lives and displaced scores of residents.

The directive was issued early Saturday following distress reports on the disaster’s severity.

According to local accounts, at least 75 victims have already been buried, while over 100 others remain unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continue.

Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @officialABAT, the President conveyed deep sorrow and pledged immediate federal intervention to support the affected population.

“Upon receiving initial reports, I immediately directed the activation of the National Emergency Response Centre.”

“I have also been briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs,” the President stated.

President Tinubu confirmed that relief materials and temporary shelters are being dispatched to the flood-hit areas without delay.

He added that federal agencies, including NEMA, have been mobilised in collaboration with the Niger State Government to step up rescue efforts and deliver life-saving aid.

“Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the state government’s efforts.”

“We will ensure that no Nigerian affected by this disaster is left behind or unheard of,” Tinubu affirmed.

In his directive, the President also tasked security agencies with assisting emergency teams, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring the dignity of those affected.

“I assure all those impacted that your government stands with you.”

“We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response, one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery,” he said.

Extending heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved and displaced, Tinubu emphasized that the grief of Niger State is shared by the entire country.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the good people of Niger State at this difficult time.”

“In times of adversity, we draw strength from our unity, resilience, and shared humanity,” he stated.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to keep the victims in their thoughts and prayers, stressing the importance of national solidarity in the face of such tragedies.

Emergency officials and humanitarian agencies remain on ground as assessments continue, with urgent efforts underway to locate missing persons and deliver further aid to those most in need.