The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with child trafficking, criminal conspiracy and child abduction following the rescue of a four-week-old baby allegedly stolen from its mother in Minna.
The suspects, identified as Chidi Johnson, also known as Yaron Pastor, 24, and Zainab Ibrahim, 22, are currently in police custody while investigations continue.
According to a crime bulletin issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Friday, the incident was reported on July 14 at about 10 a.m. at “A” Division, Minna, after a nursing mother complained that her four-week-old baby had been deceitfully taken away around the Mobil Roundabout area.
Police detectives immediately launched an investigation and deployed technical intelligence, which led to the arrest of Chidi Johnson of Abdulsalam Quarters, Minna.
During interrogation, Johnson allegedly confessed that Zainab Ibrahim of Alagbado area, Minna, but residing in Sokoto State, had contracted him to procure a newborn baby after reportedly suffering a miscarriage.
The suspect further disclosed that on July 13 at about noon, he lured the nursing mother and her infant to the Kasuwan-Gwari area under the pretext that a benefactor wanted to give them food items and alms.
Investigators said that upon arrival, the victim and her friend were instructed by Zainab to contact Chidi, who then led them to an uncompleted building near Mobil Roundabout, where he offered snacks and soft drinks to gain their confidence.
While pretending to play with the baby, Johnson allegedly escaped through the rear exit of the building with the infant and fled on a motorcycle.
The police subsequently arrested Zainab Ibrahim, rescued the baby and reunited the child with the mother.
SP Abiodun said the two suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating child trafficking and other crimes against vulnerable persons in the state.