The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged conspiracy to steal and traffic a four-day-old baby in the state.
The suspects, identified as 48-year-old Gladys Nathaniel, 47-year-old Victor Udochukwu, 59-year-old Chijioke Obunwa and 43-year-old Onyeonoro Chinwe, were arrested on September 16, 2026, following actionable intelligence and a police investigation.
According to a statement issued by the Command on Monday, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) and Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Obehie, apprehended the suspects over allegations of conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking.
The police alleged that the suspects conspired to take the newborn from her mentally unstable mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person.
The Command said the operation also led to the rescue of the baby and her mother.
While the mother has been released to her family for proper care and medical attention, the infant has been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.
The four suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
The police said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that those responsible for the alleged offences are brought to justice.
