Child Trafficking Syndicate Busted In Rivers, 2 Arrested, Several Victims Rescued
•By Our Reporter
PORT HARCOURT – The Police in Rivers State have busted a child trafficking syndicate, arrested two suspected members and rescuing several victims.
The Rivers State Police Command made the disclosure in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko on Tuesday, saying the suspects were arrested in
Chokocho, Etche Local Government Area on Friday, January 24, 2025.
SP Iringe-Koko explained that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects acted in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group known as OSPAC, in perpetrating the crime, adding that operatives were trailing fleeing suspects.
She said, “On January 24, 2025, operatives of the Command arrested two suspects, Ugochukwu Onyebuchi (f) and Ogechi Nmezi (f), for allegedly conspiring to defraud Juliet Blossom (f) and Esther Michael (f) under the pretence of facilitating baby adoptions.
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“Previously, the suspects had reportedly lured one Gift Chimanu, the mother of a two-month-old baby girl, Evidence Olomachukwu Chimanu, and Hope Onyebuchi, the mother of a one-year-old baby boy, Chukwuemeka Kingsley, into their scheme.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects acted in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group, OSPAC, to perpetrate the crime.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement and are still in police custody.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other syndicate members, including the implicated OSPAC members.
The state police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and eradicating child trafficking within the state, emphasising that the rescued victims have reunited with their families.
“The victims have been safely rescued and reunited with their families.
“This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and eradicating child trafficking within the state.”