Following two weeks of intensive investigation and a manhunt for a kidnapped 4-year-old boy, the FCT Police Command, in collaboration with the Rivers State Command, has successfully rescued the missing Hope Evans in Abuja.
During the rescue operation, it was discovered that the child’s name had been changed from Hope Evans to David Evans to conceal his identity.
FCT Police Commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, who personally led the operation, revealed that the suspect, Blessing Okoi, had abducted the boy on 31 October 2024. She had gone to the Model Community Nursery and Primary School, Azubie, Port Harcourt, where the child was schooling, and lured him away.
When the boy’s mother, Lydia Jonah Gabriel, arrived to pick him up after school, officials informed her that an unknown woman, later identified as Blessing Okoi, had lured Hope away at approximately 1:28 pm by offering him biscuits and eggs.
Realising her son was missing, Lydia, along with family members, went to the school to gather more information. They learned that the woman was known locally as “Destiny’s mum” since her child attended the same school.
However, upon visiting the residence of Destiny, they discovered that the suspect had fled the premises that same night.
Several students identified the woman as Destiny’s mother, prompting the family to report the incident to the Trans Amadi Police Station. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Suspecting that the abductor might have escaped to Abuja, the victim’s aunt reported the case to the FCT Police Command. Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu immediately ordered an investigation.
Through persistent efforts, the police tracked Blessing Okoi to Maraba, Abuja. On 29 November 2024, at approximately 8 pm, the suspect was arrested, and four-year-old Hope Evans was rescued after over two months in captivity.
During questioning, Blessing Okoi initially claimed to be Hope’s biological mother, referring to him as “David Evans.” However, her claims were inconsistent with information provided by the boy’s actual mother, who confirmed her son’s identity and presented recent photographs as evidence.
The suspect later admitted to changing the boy’s name to David and revealed she had deceived her former lover, Evans, into believing he was the child’s father. She claimed the boy was the result of a previous relationship, and her boyfriend had accepted the child as his own.
In another twist, the suspect was found with another young boy, whom she claimed was her son, stating that his father had died.
Hope’s mother, Lydia, arrived in Abuja on 6 December 2024, where she was joyfully reunited with her son in the office of the Commissioner of Police. The emotional moment ended two long months of separation.
CP Olatunji Disu used the occasion to advise school proprietors to prioritise the safety of children in their care and commended his officers for their dedication in recovering the child.
As of now, Blessing Okoi remains in police custody, undergoing further interrogation and facing imminent charges in court.
In her remarks, Hope Evans’ mother expressed her gratitude to the FCT Police Commissioner and his team for their efforts.
She 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.”
