Human Trafficking Syndicate Uncovered, 4 Suspects Arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the investigation of activities of a child trafficking syndicate in the state, with at least four suspects arrested.
The suspects include 54-year-old woman, identified as BLESSING JACK, who is alleged to be the leaders of the child trafficking syndicate, and a resident of Timber Road in Igwuruta, on the outskirt of Port- Harcourt.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, disclosed in a statement that the criminal gang exploit vulnerable young mothers, steal and sell their newborn for significant financial gains.
“On October 9, 2025, at about 1500rs, Operatives of the Command attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit, through technical aided Policing arrested Blessing Jack, at Igwuruta, in Port-Harcourt.
“A conversation between Blessing Jack and one Marley Oburu 'm' revealed the syndicate's modus operandi. She 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 Two Million Naira (#2,000,000.) for the transaction. The transaction suggested that Blessing and her associates use fake scans and manipulate vulnerable pregnant women to obtain their babies.”
SP IRINGE-KOKO further disclosed that other suspects arrested alongside BLESSING JACK are Chinonso Raymond, a 30-year-old male of Igwuruta, Port-Harcourt; Chinyere Okorie, a 32-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port-Harcourt; and Nkechi Nwankwo, a 50-year-old female of Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port-Harcourt.
The PPRO said preliminary investigation revealed that BLESSING JACK had previously been imprisoned for three years for child trafficking in Calabar, Cross River State.
The police spokeswoman said all the suspects who are currently in police custody, voluntarily confessed to the crime, detailing their individual roles, as investigations continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate and to dismantle the network.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, OLUGBENGA ADEPOJU, has commended operatives involved in the case for their diligence, and promised that the Police Command would continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable individuals and combat human trafficking in the State.
“The Police Command appeals to the public to report any information that may aid in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases. Together, we can build a safer and more secure society for all.”