The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully arrested Blessing Okoi, a suspect involved in interstate child trafficking. Okoi allegedly lured schoolchildren with snacks before abducting them.
Blessing Okoi was apprehended in Abuja with two children, including a 4-year-old boy named Hope Evans, who had been declared missing in Rivers State. To conceal her actions, Okoi renamed the child “David Evans” as part of her efforts to hand him over to another individual.
The police have revealed that Okoi abducted the boy on October 31, 2024, from the Model Community Nursery and Primary School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, using biscuits and eggs to lure him away.
The boy’s mother, Lydia Jonah Gabriel, discovered her son was missing after school authorities informed her that an unknown woman had taken him. Subsequent investigations identified the suspect, known locally as “Destiny’s mum,” who fled her residence in Port Harcourt the same night.
The case was reported to the Trans Amadi Police Station and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Believing the suspect had escaped to Abuja, the victim’s family sought assistance from the FCT Police Command, which launched an intensive manhunt.
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On November 29, 2024, the police tracked Okoi to Maraba, Abuja, where she was arrested around 8 p.m., and Hope Evans was rescued after a few months in captivity. During interrogation, Okoi the alleged kidnapper, initially claimed to be the boy’s mother but later admitted to changing his name to David. She also falsely claimed the child was the result of a previous relationship to deceive her partner, who was curious of the sudden existence of a child in Okoi’s life.
In addition to Hope, Okoi was found with another young boy, whom she claimed was her son. Police are investigating this claim and the extent of her activities.
On December 6, 2024, Lydia Jonah Gabriel was reunited with her son in an emotional moment at the office of the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, in Port Harcourt.
She expressed gratitude to the police, stating:
“Since this incident happened, I have not been able to sleep. My husband has been restless and even accused me of giving our son to my parents to sell, out of frustration. But I thank God the police have found my son, and I am vindicated.”
Commissioner Disu used the occasion to advise school proprietors to prioritize the safety of children and urged parents to remain vigilant. He emphasized the importance of monitoring children’s interactions with strangers and being cautious of individuals offering snacks or other items.
The Commissioner commended his team for their dedication and assured the public that Okoi remains in custody, undergoing further interrogation and facing imminent prosecution. Investigations continue to uncover the full scope of her activities.
