FOUR HELD OVER ALLEGED THEFT AND SALE OF NEWBORN BABY IN ABIA

The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged conspiracy, theft and trafficking of a four-day-old baby in the state. The suspects were identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43. The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed their arrest in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi.

According to the police, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and the Rapid Response Unit in Obehie arrested the four suspects on September 16, 2026, following what the command described as credible and actionable intelligence. The investigation allegedly revealed that the suspects conspired to take the newborn from its mother, who was described by the police as mentally unstable, before selling the infant to another person. The command said the suspects were apprehended after detectives carried out an investigation into the alleged offence.

The police said the baby and the mother were subsequently rescued following the operation. While the mother was released into the care of her family for proper medical attention and support, the newborn was handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody. The authorities said the steps were taken to safeguard both victims while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged child theft and trafficking continues.

The four suspects are currently being held by the police as investigators at the State Criminal Investigation Department work to establish the full circumstances of the case and determine the roles allegedly played by each suspect. The command said the suspects would be charged before a court after the investigation is concluded. The police did not disclose the identity of the person to whom the infant was allegedly sold or whether that individual had been identified or arrested.

Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, particularly children, and pursuing individuals suspected of involvement in child-related crimes. The latest case comes amid other child-trafficking investigations in Abia and neighbouring states, where security and law-enforcement agencies have continued to target suspected networks involved in the illegal movement and sale of children. The police urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist investigations and help protect vulnerable children.