The Rivers State Police Command has successfully busted a child trafficking syndicate, arresting two female suspects and rescuing two children in the Chokocho area of Etche Local Government Area.
Suspects & Their Modus Operandi
The suspects, identified as Ugochukwu Onyebuchi and Ogechi Nmezi, allegedly defrauded two women, Juliet Blossom and Esther Michael, under the pretense of arranging legal baby adoptions.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that the suspects operated with the Onelga Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), a local vigilante group.
According to the statement:
📌 On January 24, 2025, police operatives apprehended the suspects after investigations linked them to fraudulent adoption schemes.
📌 They reportedly lured two mothers, Gift Chimanu and Hope Onyebuchi, into their trap. Gift’s two-month-old baby girl, Evidence Olomachukwu Chimanu, and Hope’s one-year-old son, Chukwuemeka Kingsley, were taken by the syndicate.
Police Investigations & Arrests
The suspects were arrested at a checkpoint in Chokocho, where further investigations exposed their connections with OSPAC members who allegedly aided in the crime.
🔍 During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement. Authorities are now working to identify and arrest other syndicate members, including those within OSPAC.
Children Reunited With Families
The rescued children have been safely reunited with their families, while the police continue their efforts to eradicate child trafficking in Rivers State.
💬 “The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and bringing child traffickers to justice,” the statement added.
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