Child trafficking suspects detained for two days

A deputy director of medical services at the Nairobi Metropolitan Service has been detained for two days to allow police time to complete investigations over his alleged involvement in child trafficking.

Musa Mohammed Ramadhan is among three other suspects being investigated in the child trafficking syndicate that involves theft of babies countrywide.

Musa was remanded alongside Juliana Mbete, a hospital administrator, Beatrice Njambi who is in charge of the new born unit and Selina Awour, a social worker – all  employees of Mama Lucy hospital. 

At the time of the offence, Musa was a superintendent at the hospital and left the facility barely a month ago.

The prosecution, led by Everlyn Onuga, told the court the four were engaging in child trafficking contrary to the law and the same had been broadcast on BBC news in November.

In a sworn affidavit by leading investigating officer, detective Wanga Masake attached to DCI Nairobi Regional office, the prosecution alleged that they have reasons to believe that this is a well organised criminal gang that is operating within the country whose other players are yet to be established.

Several children are believed to have been trafficked with a search ongoing. The DCI wanted ten days but the magistrate reduced it to two days.

“The respondents are believed to have either conspired or acted negligently hence enabling the commission of the offence”, the prosecution said.

Onuga said the suspects were arrested on November 18, 2020 and owing to the nature of the crime committed and the complexity of the investigations, they need time to hold them before charging them.

Police also claim the four hold crucial information and have the potential to interfere with investigations if released on bond before being charged.

Onuga said Musa did not properly hand over the documents needed by the investigating officer as they were in his custody.

“All respondents are under Musa. He was transferred barely a month ago and the crucial evidence was in his custody as the superintendent of Mama Lucy hospital.

The court should maintain the terms and there is no way he should be treated differently,” the prosecution added.

The intended charge sheet filed in court against the four states that with others not in court, they offered for adoption a child namely alias Jayden Smith aged 6 months for the purpose of trafficking him.

They are said to have committed the offence between May 11 and November 17 at Mama Lucy hospital.