Abia State Police Arrest Four for Newborn Theft Scheme

The Abia State Police Command arrested four suspects—Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43—on September 16, 2026, for allegedly stealing a four-day-old baby from its mentally challenged mother and selling the infant. Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka stated that the arrests followed credible intelligence and investigations by the Violent Crimes Response Unit and Rapid Response Unit in Obehie.

The suspects conspired to abduct the baby and sell it to another individual. Following the operation, both the mother and baby were rescued; the mother was released to her family for proper care and medical attention, while the infant was handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department, with plans to charge them in court afterward. Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi emphasized the command's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice.