The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, arresting two women and rescuing two children in the Chokocho area of Etche Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Ugochukwu Onyebuchi and Ogechi Nmezi, were accused of defrauding two women, Juliet Blossom and Esther Michael, by falsely promising to facilitate legal baby adoptions.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Command’s Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that the suspects operated alongside members of the Onelga Security Planning and Advisory Committee, a local vigilante group.
The statement stated, “On January 24, 2025, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command arrested two suspects, Ugochukwu Onyebuchi and Ogechi Nmezi, for allegedly conspiring to defraud two women under the guise of arranging child adoptions.”
The police disclosed that the suspects had previously deceived two mothers—Gift Chimanu, whose two-month-old daughter, Evidence Olomachukwu Chimanu, was taken, and Hope Onyebuchi, whose one-year-old son, Chukwuemeka Kingsley, was also involved.
The arrest took place at a police checkpoint in Chokocho, where investigations uncovered the suspects’ connection to OSPAC members who allegedly assisted in their activities.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other syndicate members, including the implicated OSPAC operatives,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She further confirmed that the rescued children have been safely reunited with their families as investigations continue.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and eradicating child trafficking in the state,” she added.
