The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over alleged conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking following the reported disappearance of a four-day-old baby from its mother.
The suspects were identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested on September 16, 2026, following what the command described as “credible and actionable intelligence.”
The statement said operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Obehie, carried out the arrests after a diligent investigation.
More Read
According to the police:
“The suspects allegedly conspired to steal a 4-day-old baby from her mentally unstable mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person.”
The command said both the baby and the mother were rescued during the investigation.
The mother has reportedly been released to her family, where she is expected to receive appropriate care and medical attention.
More Read
The rescued infant, meanwhile, has been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.
The four suspects remain in police custody as investigators continue their work at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
The police said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that individuals suspected of committing such offences are brought before the appropriate court.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children and other vulnerable persons to law enforcement authorities.
Cruise TV News will continue to monitor the development and provide updates as more details emerge.
