Father appeals for return of kidnapped children, as wife absconds

Mr. Jonas Ugochukwu Njoku, a resident at No. 39 Joel Ogunnaike, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State, is urgently seeking public assistance to locate his two children, Jonas Prince Osinachi (male, 7 years old) and Jonas Miracle Adaeze (female, 4 years old). The children were reportedly taken by their aunt, Chidinma Okenwa.

Mr. Jonas, who has been married to Mrs. Scholastica Chisom Jonas since November 28, 2015, has faced numerous challenges throughout their marriage, including spiritual and health-related issues. These difficulties led to the loss of several children. Despite these trials, Mr. Jonas remained dedicated to his wife and family, providing for her education at Covenant Polytechnic, Abia State. Unfortunately, his efforts were met with betrayal. However, Mr. Jonas has chosen to leave the matter in the hands of God rather than seek retaliation.

In April 2022, Mrs. Chisom Jonas left their home, taking their two children with her. Mr. Jonas reported this to Makinde Police Station in Oshodi, Lagos. On May 6, 2024, Mr. Jonas was contacted by UBA Bank in Nnewi, Anambra State, where Mrs. Chisom Jonas worked, informing him that Mrs. Chisom Jonas was reported missing by her elder sister, Mrs. Ebere Okenwa. It was later discovered that Mrs. Chisom Jonas had left the children with her relative, Chioma Onyejekwe Favour, without Mr. Jonas’s consent.

It has since been revealed that Chidinma Okenwa allegedly kidnapped the children, and their current whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Jonas’s attempts to find his children have been unsuccessful, and he continues to support their education and welfare through intermediaries. Contributions have been sent to: Prince Osinachi Jonas (Son) Account Number: 2252493768, Bank: UBA; POS Agent (Sunny Brown Services);  Account Number: 8301850796 (Moniepoint).

The Jonas family had initially invited Mr. Jonas to retrieve the bride price, as Mrs. Chisom Jonas wished to end the marriage due to irreconcilable differences, particularly concerning financial support. Despite Mr. Jonas securing a new banking job, it did not provide sufficient income to meet all family needs, including child support and school fees.

While en route to return the bride price, Mr. Jonas received a call from Mrs. Chisom Jonas’s elder brother, Mr. Chibueze Okenwa, advising against proceeding. Mr. Chibueze Okenwa informed them that Mrs. Chisom Jonas had instructed that the children not be returned to their father or any member of his family.

Mr. Jonas is deeply concerned for the safety, well-being, and education of his children, who are currently in the custody of relatives he believes cannot provide proper care. Legal actions are being considered against Chidinma Okenwa and others involved in the unauthorised custody of the children.

Mr. Jonas urgently appeals to the authorities and the public to assist in ensuring the safe return of his children to a secure and loving environment.

Additionally, Mr. Jonas wishes to clarify that he and Chisom Jonas are no longer married. Chisom Jonas is now in a new relationship, and both parties have officially separated. This information is being shared with the paramount rulers of Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State, and Ezinihitte, Amumara, Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria.