The federal capital territory (FCT) police command says its operatives have rescued Hope Evans, a four-year-old boy, who was reported missing on October 31, 2024, from Community Primary School Azubie, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Olatunji Disu, FCT police commissioner, said the police also arrested one Blessing Okoi, a 31-year-old woman, for allegedly kidnapping Evans.
Okoi reportedly lured the boy from his school with biscuits and eggs before fleeing Port Harcourt and relocating to Abuja.
The police commissioner said the suspect abducted Evans to deceive her ex-lover into believing she had given birth to his child.
“It is with great satisfaction that I address you today to announce the successful recovery of 4-year-old Hope Evans, who went missing from Community Primary School Azubie in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on 31st October 2024,” Disu said.
“Standing beside me is young Hope Evans, reunited with his relieved mother, Miss Lydia Jonah Gabriel, after nearly a month of anguish and relentless investigative efforts.
“This heartwarming reunion is a testimony to the dedication and resilience of our officers, whose painstaking efforts ensured this positive outcome.
“The suspect, Blessing Okoi, a 31-year-old woman, was arrested on 29th November 2024 in Maraba, Abuja, following credible intelligence and persistent tracking.
“Our investigation revealed that the suspect lured the child from his school with biscuits and eggs, subsequently fleeing Port Harcourt and relocating to Abuja.
“Her motive, as uncovered during questioning, was to deceive a man into believing she was the mother of the child.
“Let me state unequivocally that this command, under my leadership, remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property, particularly during this critical ember period.
“The arrest of the suspect and the recovery of this innocent child were made possible by the enhanced operational measures we put in place.”