Abia Police Arrest Four For Alleged Child Stealing, Trafficking; Rescue 4-Day-Old Baby

UMUAHIA — The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects for alleged conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking, rescuing a 4-day-old baby and her mentally unstable mother.

The suspects were identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48, Victor Udochukwu, 47, Chijioke Obunwa, 59, and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.

In a press release signed by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on September 21, 2026, the Command said operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit, VCRU, and Rapid Response Unit, RRU, Obehie, acting on credible intelligence, arrested the suspects on September 16, 2026.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly conspired to steal a 4-day-old baby from her mentally unstable mother and sold the infant to another person. They were apprehended following diligent investigation.

The baby and mother were rescued, with the mother released to her family for proper care and medical attention, while the infant has been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.

The Command said the suspects are currently in police custody and investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, after which they will be charged to court.

Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.