The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged theft and trafficking of a four-day-old baby taken from her mother, who police described as mentally unstable.
The suspects were identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), Rapid Response Unit, Obehie, arrested the suspects on September 16 following credible intelligence and subsequent investigation.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly conspired to take the newborn from her mother before selling the child to another person.
The Command said its investigation led to the rescue of both the baby and her mother.
Following the rescue, the mother was reunited with her family to enable her receive appropriate care and medical attention, while the four-day-old baby was handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.
Police said all four suspects are currently in custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The Command added that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the case, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society.
He assured residents that the police would continue to investigate cases of child stealing and trafficking and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought before the law.
The latest incident comes amid continued efforts by security agencies and relevant government institutions to tackle child trafficking and other crimes targeting vulnerable persons in the state.
