The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued 4-year-old Hope Evans, who was declared missing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on October 31, 2024.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed that Hope, who vanished from a community primary school in Azube, Port Harcourt, was found in Abuja on November 29, following a detailed investigation.
The suspect, Blessing Okoi, allegedly lured the child from the school premises by offering him biscuits and eggs. Unnoticed by school staff, she left with the child, prompting his mother, Ms. Lydia Jonah Gabriel, to raise the alarm when he did not return home.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Okoi, known locally as “Destiny’s mum,” had vacated her residence the same evening. The case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and later to the FCT Police Command after suspicions arose that the suspect fled to Abuja.
Under the directive of FCT Police Commissioner CP Olatunji Disu, the suspect was tracked to Maraba, an Abuja suburb, where she was arrested. Hope was rescued at 8 p.m. the same day, despite initial attempts by the suspect to claim he was her son.
The child was reunited with his mother on November 6. The police continue to investigate the case to ensure justice is served.
