Four Arrested for Stealing Newborn From Mentally Ill Woman

The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged theft of a four-day-old baby from its mentally ill mother and the subsequent sale of the infant.

The suspects were identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Abia State, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Monday.

According to her, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and the Rapid Response Unit, Obehie, apprehended the suspects on September 16 following what she described as credible and actionable intelligence.

Chinaka said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to steal the newborn from its mother and subsequently sold the child to another person.

She said police operatives rescued both the baby and the mother following investigations into the alleged crime.

The police spokesperson said the mother had been released to her family for proper care and medical attention.

The newborn, however, was handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.

The four suspects remain in police custody as investigators continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and identify other persons who may have been involved.

Chinaka said the case was being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

She added that the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Afolabi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that individuals involved in crimes against children are brought to justice.

The latest incident has again raised concerns over the vulnerability of children and people living with mental health challenges to exploitation and abuse.

Authorities have continued to warn members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children, particularly cases involving unexplained transfers of infants or attempts to separate newborns from their mothers.

The police said the rescued baby remained under protective care while investigations continued.

The command also urged residents with relevant information about the case to cooperate with investigators to ensure that all persons connected to the alleged offence are identified.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution once the police complete their investigation and obtain the necessary evidence for court proceedings.