The Rivers State Police Command has successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate, apprehending two female suspects, Ugochukwu Onyebuchi and Ogechi Nmezi, in the Chokocho area of Etche Local Government Area.
The suspects were accused of defrauding two women, Juliet Blossom and Esther Michael, under the guise of facilitating baby adoptions. The police also rescued two children during the operation.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the arrests and highlighted the involvement of a local vigilante group, the Onelga Security Planning and Advisory Committee, in the illicit activities.
The statement read in part, “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 suspects had previously lured two mothers—Gift Chimanu, whose two-month-old baby girl, Evidence Olomachukwu Chimanu, was taken, and Hope Onyebuchi, whose one-year-old son, Chukwuemeka Kingsley, was also involved—into their scheme.”
According to Iringe-Koko, the suspects were apprehended at a checkpoint in Chokocho, where investigations revealed their links to OSPAC members, who allegedly aided the crime.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other syndicate members, including the implicated OSPAC operatives,” she said.
She added that the rescued children have been reunited with their families while investigations continue.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and eradicating child trafficking in the state,” the statement added.