The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in collaboration with the Rivers State Command, successfully rescued 4-year-old Hope Evans, who had been kidnapped two weeks earlier. The boy was found in Abuja after an intensive investigation and manhunt.
During the operation, it was revealed that the child’s name had been changed from Hope Evans to David Evans to conceal his identity. FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, personally led the rescue effort.
The abductor, identified as Blessing Okoi, took the child on October 31, 2024, from the Model Community Nursery and Primary School in Azubie, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She lured Hope away with biscuits and eggs, and when the boy’s mother, Lydia Jonah Gabriel, arrived to pick him up, she learned from school officials that Hope had been taken by an unknown woman. The woman, later identified as Blessing, was known locally as “Destiny’s mum” because her child attended the same school.
Upon discovering the abduction, Lydia, along with family members, began their search. They visited the woman’s home but found she had fled that night. The case was reported to the police, and the investigation was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Rivers State.
Suspecting that the abductor had fled to Abuja, the victim’s aunt reported the case to the FCT Police Command, which immediately launched an investigation. After persistent efforts, police tracked Blessing to Maraba, Abuja, where she was arrested on November 29, 2024, and Hope was rescued after more than two months in captivity.
During questioning, Blessing initially claimed to be Hope’s biological mother and referred to him as David Evans. However, discrepancies in her story led to further investigation, and Hope’s real mother, Lydia, confirmed his identity, presenting photographs as proof. Blessing then admitted to changing the boy’s name and claimed she had deceived her former lover, Evans, into believing he was the father. She also revealed that the boy was from a previous relationship and that her boyfriend had accepted him as his own.
In another twist, Blessing was found with another young boy, whom she claimed was her son. She said the child’s father had died.
On December 6, 2024, Lydia was reunited with her son in the office of the Commissioner of Police in Abuja. Commissioner Disu commended the police for their dedication and reminded school proprietors of the importance of ensuring the safety of children in their care.
Blessing Okoi remains in police custody, undergoing further questioning, and is expected to face charges in court.