By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested two suspects, Ugochukwu Onyebuchi and Ogechi Nmezi, for their alleged involvement in child trafficking in the state.
The suspects are alleged to have collaborated with members of a local vigilante group, OSPAC, to perpetrate the crime.
A statement by the State’s Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday, said the suspects were arrested on January 24, 2025, for conspiring to defraud victims under the guise of facilitating baby adoptions.
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.
According to Iringe-Koko, the suspects confessed to their involvement during interrogation and are currently in police custody.
She said 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.” She added.
Iringe-Koko said the successful operation is a testament to the Rivers State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and eradicating child trafficking within the state.
According to Iringe-Koko, the achievement is the latest in a series of efforts by the Rivers State Police Command to combat child trafficking.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid in the fight against child trafficking.
