The Abia State Police Command has apprehended four suspects for allegedly stealing a four-day-old baby from its mentally unstable mother and selling the infant to another person. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, the suspects were arrested on September 16, 2026, following credible intelligence. The suspects are Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.
Investigations revealed that the suspects conspired to steal the baby from its mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person. The Police Public Relations Officer stated that operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and Rapid Response Unit, Obehie, carried out the arrest. The baby and its mother were rescued and the mother has been released to her family for proper care and medical attention.
The infant has been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody. The mother, who is mentally challenged, is receiving proper care and medical attention from her family. The police have ensured that the mother and baby are safe and receiving necessary support.
The suspects are currently in custody while the investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department. The police will charge them to court after the conclusion of the investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, reiterated the command's commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.
The Abia State Police Command's effort to combat crimes against vulnerable persons is ongoing. In a related development, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons sealed a residential apartment in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, suspected to have been converted into an illegal maternity facility by a child-trafficking syndicate.
The agency also arrested the owner of the facility, whom it identified as a facilitator in the alleged sale of babies, as well as another staff member. This development highlights the police's efforts to tackle human trafficking and child abuse in the country.
The police's commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and bringing perpetrators to justice has been reaffirmed. The public is assured that the police will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and investigate crimes, particularly those that target vulnerable individuals.
Key points
- Four suspects arrested for stealing newborn from mentally-challenged mother in Abia State.
- Suspects sold the infant to another person, but the baby and mother have been rescued.
- Police investigation is ongoing, and suspects will be charged to court after conclusion of investigation.
