Two suspected child traffickers, Ugochukwu Onyebuchi and Ogechi Nmezi, have been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command.
The authorities also rescued two abducted children during the operation.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, said the suspects attempted to sell the children to two women under the pretence of facilitating baby adoptions.
According to the PPRO, the suspects allegedly conspired with some members of a local vigilante group, OSPAC, to perpetuate the crime.
“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another milestone in its efforts to combat child trafficking, with the successful apprehension of suspects and the rescue of victims,” the statement read.
“On January 24, 2025, operatives of the Command arrested two suspects, Ugochukwu Onyebuchi (m) and Ogechi Nmezi (f), for allegedly conspiring to defraud Juliet Blossom (f) and Esther Michael (f) under the pretence of facilitating baby adoptions.
“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 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.”
