By Sabir Musa

Arua

Police in Arua City have recovered items belonging to children from Nebbi and Packwach who were confined in a house located within Arua City by 27-year old Sabir Siraji in disguise of offering free education through sponsorship. Siraji was arrested on 1^st February 2023 together with 28-year-old Salima Geria who were later remanded by Arua Grade One Magistrate Court on counts of child trafficking and obtaining money by false pretense from parents.

In a join security operations led by Arua Resident City Commissioner, 9 metallic boxes containing clothes of the children, scholastic materials and Jerri cans were recovered from his rented house in Ambeko Cell, Adalafu Ward within Arua City. Arua Resident City Commissioner, Alice Akello says, “The operation is aimed finding more evidence against the suspect”. She reveals that, there is currently enough evidence but needed more for justice to prevail. Upon arrival, security team spent more 30 minutes waiting for relatives of the suspect to unlock his door, but this was all in vain forcing police to break the padlock and get access inside to conduct the search in presence of suspect’s mother who came at the scene minutes later. This operation according to the Land Lord, Muzamil Odriga was long awaited as his earlier effort to evict the suspect was frustrated. “In reality, I have been looking for him to pay my rent which was not easy; in fact I wanted him out of my house long time” he explains.

However, Ambeko Cell LC 1 Chairperson, Simon Okuga cautions parents to be vigilant and protect their children especially during the times of school.
Other items found inside during the security search are personal belongings of the suspect and relatives were asked to relocate them, while police are keeping items of the children at Arua CPS for parents to claim.
 
COVER PHOTO: Joint security team searching items from the suspects room By Sabir Musa