The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over alleged conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking following the rescue of a four-day-old baby and the child’s mother.
The suspects were identified by the police as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the suspects were arrested on September 16, 2026, by operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and the Rapid Response Unit in Obehie.
The police said the arrests followed what it described as credible and actionable intelligence and subsequent investigation into the alleged offence.
According to the command, the suspects allegedly conspired to take the four-day-old baby from the child’s mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person.
The police said both the baby and the mother were rescued during the operation. The mother was released to her family for proper care and medical attention, while the infant was handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.
The four suspects remain in police custody while investigators at the State Criminal Investigation Department continue examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged child stealing and trafficking.
The command said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable people and ensuring that individuals suspected of involvement in such offences are dealt with through due process.
The case highlights the vulnerability of newborns and other children to trafficking and illegal child transfers, particularly where vulnerable families may be targeted. However, the police allegations remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.
The police have not disclosed the identity of the person who allegedly received or purchased the baby, nor have they provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.
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