The Niger police command has arrested a fake clergyman and his accomplice for criminal conspiracy and child abduction in Minna.

This is contained in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Saturday in Minna.

Mr Abiodun stated that on July 14, at about 10 a.m., a report received at ‘A’ Division, Minna, indicated that a 4-week-old baby was deceitfully taken from a victim around Mobil Roundabout.

“Upon receipt of the report, police detectives from the division immediately commenced investigation and deployed technical intelligence, which led to the arrest of Chidi Johnson, aka ‘Yaron Pastor’, 24, of Abdulsalam Quarters.

“During investigation, he confessed that Zainab Ibrahim, 22, of Alagbado Area, Minna, but residing in Sokoto State, had contracted him to procure a newborn baby following her reported miscarriage,” he narrated.

The spokesperson disclosed that, in carrying out the task, on July 13, at about 12 p.m., the suspect lured a nursing mother and her 4-week-old baby to the Kasuwan-Gwari Area.

“Johnson said it was on the pretext that the child would be given food items and alms by a benefactor.

“On arrival, the victim and her friend were instructed by Ibrahim to contact Johnson, who subsequently met them and led the victim into an uncompleted building near Mobil Roundabout.

“Upon arrival at the uncompleted building, Johnson offered snacks and soft drinks to gain their confidence while pretending to play with the baby.

“Unfortunately, in the process of playing with the baby, the suspect fled with the baby through a rear exit of the building on a motorcycle to an unknown destination,” he said.

However, Mr Abiodun said Mr Ibrahim was also arrested, the baby was rescued and the child has since been reunited with the mother.

“Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody undergoing investigation, after which they will be charged in court for prosecution,” he stated. 

(NAN)