The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed widespread social media reports claiming negligence in the investigation of missing toddler Amarachi Blessing Ogbonna, revealing that eight suspects have already been charged to court in connection with the case.

 

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### Timeline of the Disappearance

 

The victim, a one-year-and-ten-month-old child, vanished on **June 21, 2026**, from a church premise in Bayelsa State.

 

As public outrage grew across online platforms—with critics accusing law enforcement of foot-dragging—the Police Command issued a clarifying statement through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed.

 

DSP Mohammed labeled the online narrative a total misrepresentation of facts, detailing the investigative steps taken since the initial report:

 

* **Specialized Takeover:** On directives from the Commissioner of Police, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) took over the case from the local Ekeki Division to run an intensive investigation.

* **Eight Charged:** Based on established evidence, eight suspects face formal charges in the High Court of Bayelsa State (Yenagoa Judicial Division) under **Charge No. BYHC/YHC/CR./81/2026**.

* **Uninvolved Persons Bailed:** Individuals whose involvement could not be established during preliminary questioning were granted administrative bail.

 

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### Why the Arraignment Was Delayed

 

Addressing concerns over the timeline of court proceedings, the police explained that the apparent delay in formal arraignments stemmed from the **annual court vacation**, not police inactivity. With judicial activities resuming this week, formal court proceedings are set to move forward immediately.

 

> *"The Command is pursuing all credible leads and will continue to take every lawful step necessary to unravel the circumstances surrounding her disappearance,"* DSP Mohammed assured.

 

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### Call for Public Restraint

 

The Bayelsa State Police Command cautioned the public against spreading unverified reports on social media, warning that speculation around sensitive cases involving minors can spark unnecessary public alarm and disrupt active recovery operations. Search and rescue efforts to reunite Amarachi safely with her family remain ongoing.