By: Sunday Ameh
The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a child trafficking syndicate and arrested four suspected members in Port Harcourt.
Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, announced in a statement that the suspects had been under surveillance for some time before their arrest.
According to Iringe-Koko, the syndicate was led by Blessing Jack (54) of Timber Road, Igwuruta, who allegedly exploited vulnerable young mothers by stealing and selling their newborn babies for money.
She revealed that on October 9, 2025, operatives from the Command’s C4i Intelligence Unit arrested Blessing Jack in Igwuruta following intelligence-led operations.
“A recorded conversation between Blessing Jack and one Marley Oburu exposed the syndicate’s operation. In one case, her associate deceitfully told a woman her baby had died, then sold the baby for ₦2 million,”
Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that the gang used fake medical scans and deceptive tactics to manipulate pregnant women into giving up their babies.
Other arrested suspects include:
Chinonso Raymond (30) – Igwuruta, Port Harcourt
Chinyere Okorie (32) – Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port Harcourt
Nkechi Nwankwo (50) – Pipeline, Rumuoholu, Port Harcourt
Investigations revealed that Blessing Jack had previously served a three-year jail term in Calabar for child trafficking, confirming her long involvement in the illegal trade.
All suspects confessed to their roles and remain in custody while police continue to trace other members of the network.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the operatives for their diligence and assured that the command remains committed to protecting vulnerable persons and combating human trafficking in Rivers State.
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