Eight People Charged Over Missing Baby in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police has taken eight suspects to court over the disappearance of a one-year, 10-month-old girl, Amarachi Blessing Ogbonna, from a church in the state.

The child went missing from the church on June 21, 2026. This led to an investigation by the police.

On Friday, the police released a statement through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed. The Violent Crime Response Unit took over the investigation from the Ekeki Division as directed by the Commissioner of Police.

The statement said the unit began intensive investigations. This effort led to the identification and arrest of people linked to the child’s disappearance.

The police mentioned that eight suspects have been charged before the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa. They are waiting to be arraigned under Charge No. BYHC/YHC/CR./81/2026.

"Based on the facts and evidence so far established, eight suspects have been charged to court and are awaiting arraignment before the High Court of Bayelsa State, Yenagoa Judicial Division, in Charge No. BYHC/YHC/CR./81/2026," the police command stated.

The command also said that others whose roles were unclear have been released on bail.

They dismissed claims on social media that the police had not acted on the case. They explained that the delay in arraigning the suspects was due to the courts being on vacation.

"The narrative does not reflect the true nature of events," the statement said.

The police added that courts resumed this week, and the case should move forward.

Meanwhile, the command said the investigation into the disappearance is still active. They continue to work hard to locate the missing child and bring her back to her family.

"The police investigation remains active, with ongoing efforts towards the safe recovery of Amarachi Blessing Ogbonna and her eventual reunion with her family," the statement said.

The police confirmed they are chasing all credible leads. They will keep taking lawful steps to find out what happened to the child.

They also urged the public to be careful about believing unverified information on social media, especially regarding sensitive cases involving children.

"The Command therefore urges members of the public to exercise caution in relying on unverified narratives circulating on social media, particularly on sensitive cases involving children," the statement added.