Police Rescue 4-Year-Old Boy in Abuja After Two-Month Kidnapping Ordeal
By MOHAMMED DANBABA
In a remarkable operation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the Rivers State Police Command, successfully rescued 4-year-old Hope Evans in Abuja following two weeks of intensive investigation and a manhunt.
The Abduction: A Clever Disguise and a Bold Escape
The ordeal began on October 31, 2024, when Blessing Okoi abducted Hope Evans from the Model Community Nursery and Primary School in Azubie, Port Harcourt. Disguising her intent, Okoi lured the boy with biscuits and eggs, taking him from school at approximately 1:28 PM.
The boy’s mother, Lydia Jonah Gabriel, arrived to pick up her son later that day, only to discover that he was missing. The school informed her that an unknown woman, later identified as Okoi, had taken the child. The suspect, known locally as “Destiny’s mum,” fled her residence that same night.
A Collaborative Manhunt Tracks the Suspect to Abuja
Family members reported the incident to the Trans Amadi Police Station, and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Suspecting the suspect had fled to Abuja, the family involved the FCT Police Command, where Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, spearheaded the investigation.
On November 29, 2024, around 8 PM, police operatives arrested Blessing Okoi in Maraba, Abuja. During the operation, they rescued the child, who had been held captive for over two months.
A Web of Lies Unraveled
To conceal her crime, Okoi changed the boy’s name from Hope Evans to David Evans, claiming he was her biological son. She fabricated a story, telling her ex-lover that the boy was his child from a previous relationship. However, her inconsistencies unraveled under police scrutiny.
Hope’s mother confirmed her son’s identity with recent photographs, prompting Okoi to admit the truth. In addition to Hope, the suspect was found with another young boy, whom she claimed was her own child.
A Heartwarming Reunion and a Warning to Schools
On December 6, 2024, Lydia Jonah Gabriel was reunited with her son at the FCT Police Commissioner’s office. The emotional moment ended months of anguish for the family.
CP Olatunji Disu commended his officers for their commitment and urged school proprietors to implement stronger measures to ensure the safety of children.
Meanwhile, Okoi remains in police custody, undergoing further interrogation and facing impending charges in court.
Mother’s Gratitude: “I Am Vindicated”
Expressing her relief, Lydia said:
“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.”
