Rivers police bust notorious child trafficking syndicate led by ex-convict

The Rivers State Police Command has busted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested four suspects. 

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 13, 2025 said the syndicate use fake scans to manipulate young mothers and vulnerable pregnant women, steals their babies, and sells them to waiting buyers. 

According to the PPRO, the four-member syndicate is led by an ex-convict identified as Blessing Jack, who had previously been arrested, tried, and imprisoned in Calabar, Cross River State, for a similar offence.

“The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the activities of child trafficking syndicate in the state, with the arrest of several suspects,” the statement read. 

“The syndicate allegedly led by one Blessing Jack, a 54-year- old female, resident of Timber Road, Igwuruta, Port- Harcourt, exploiting vulnerable young mothers, stealing and selling their new born babies 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 d!ed 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.

“Other suspects arrested include:  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.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that Blessing Jack had previously been imprisoned in Calabar for three years for child trafficking, highlighting her long-standing involvement in the illicit business.

“All the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime detailing their individual roles in the crime.

“Suspects are currently in Police custody, while an in-depth investigation has been launched to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the network.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has commended the Operatives for their diligence in investigating and apprehending the suspects. The Police Command will 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.”