The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the Rivers State Command, has successfully rescued 4-year-old Hope Evans, who was abducted in Port Harcourt on October 31, 2024. The boy was located in Abuja after a two-week intensive investigation and manhunt, with the suspect, Blessing Okoi, arrested on November 29, 2024. During the operation, it was discovered that the child’s identity had been altered, with Hope Evans now called David Evans in an effort to conceal his true identity.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, led the operation, revealing that the suspect had lured the boy away from his school, the Model Community Nursery and Primary School in Azubie, Port Harcourt. At around 1:28 pm, Okoi enticed the child with biscuits and eggs, leading him away just before his mother, Lydia Jonah Gabriel, arrived to pick him up. Upon realizing her son was missing, Lydia, along with family members, investigated the situation and learned that Okoi was known in the area as “Destiny’s mum,” since her child attended the same school.
After discovering that the suspect had fled the area the same night, the case was reported to the Trans Amadi Police Station and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Suspecting that Okoi might have fled to Abuja, the family alerted the FCT Police. This led to a breakthrough in the case when the suspect was apprehended, and Hope was rescued, after more than two months in captivity.
During questioning, Okoi initially claimed to be Hope’s biological mother, calling him “David Evans.” However, her story was inconsistent with the mother’s account, which led to further investigation. Okoi eventually confessed to changing the boy’s name and deceiving her former lover into believing the child was his. She also claimed that another boy she was found with was her son. The suspect is currently in police custody, undergoing interrogation and facing charges.
Hope’s emotional reunion with his mother in Abuja on December 6, 2024, marked the end of a harrowing ordeal for the family. Hope’s mother, Lydia, expressed her profound gratitude to the police for their efforts, revealing how the incident had caused immense distress, with her husband even accusing her of complicity. The FCT Police Commissioner, Disu, urged school proprietors to prioritize the safety of children and praised his officers for their dedication in securing the boy’s safe return. Okoi remains in custody and is expected to face charges in court.
