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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Police Command said it has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the activities of child trafficking syndicate in the state, with the arrest of several suspects, including an ex-convict, Blessing Jack.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed this in Port Harcourt on Monday.
She said the syndicate allegedly led by Blessing Jack, a 54-year- old female, resident of Timber Road, Igwuruta, Port- Harcourt, exploited vulnerable young mothers, stealing and selling their new born babies for significant financial gains.
According to Iringe-Koko, a preliminary investigation revealed that Blessing Jack had previously been imprisoned in Calabar, Cross River State, for three years for child trafficking, highlighting her long-standing involvement in the illicit business.
She said: “On October 9, 2025, at about 1500hrs, operatives of the Command attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit, through technical aided policing arrested Blessing Jack, at Igwuruta, in Port-Harcourt.
The PPRO said conversation between the prime suspect (Jack) and one Marley Oburu (male) revealed the syndicate’s modus operandi.
She said the prime suspect discussed a recent incident where her associate had taken a woman’s baby, claiming the baby had died, but had been paid the sum of N2,000,000.00 for the transaction.
“The transaction suggested that Blessing and her associates use fake scans and manipulate vulnerable pregnant women to obtain their babies.”
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Other suspects arrested included:
Chinonso Raymond, a 30-year-old male of Igwuruta, Chinyere Okorie, a 32-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu and Nkechi Nwankwo, a 50-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, all in Rivers State.
The Police spokesperson stated that all the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime detailing their individual roles in the crime.
“Suspects are currently in Police custody, while an in-depth investigation has been launched to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the network.”
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the operatives for their diligence in investigating and apprehending the suspects.
He said the Police Command will continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals and combat human trafficking in the State.
Adepoju appealed to the members of the public to report any information that might aid in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.
He assured: “Together, we can build a safer and more secure society for all.”
