Woman Arraigned For Allegedly Stealing One-Year-Old Child In Ekiti

A 23-year-old woman, Aisat Usman, has been arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a one-year-old child in the Odo-Ado area of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, was brought before the court on Wednesday on a charge bordering on child theft.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Olubu Apata, the incident occurred on May 29, 2026, when the defendant allegedly took the child from his mother’s shop without permission.

Apata told the court that the suspect was attempting to flee with the child when neighbours became suspicious and raised an alarm. The alarm reportedly attracted residents in the area, who pursued and apprehended the defendant before she could escape.

The child was subsequently rescued unharmed and reunited with the mother.

The prosecution stated that the alleged offence contravenes relevant provisions of the criminal laws of Ekiti State.

During the court proceedings, the charge was read to the defendant, who was expected to enter her plea.

The prosecutor requested that the court fix a date for hearing and allow the police to continue with investigations into the matter.

The presiding Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to a later date for further proceedings.

The court is expected to determine the next steps in the case as the prosecution prepares to present evidence supporting the allegation.

Cases involving child abduction and child theft have continued to attract public concern across the country, prompting calls for greater vigilance among parents and caregivers, especially in public places and business environments.

Security agencies have repeatedly advised residents to report suspicious movements involving children and to promptly alert authorities whenever such incidents occur.

The case remains under investigation, while the defendant is expected to return to court on the adjourned date for continuation of proceedings.