The police command in Abia State has arrested four suspects for alleged conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking in the state.

In a statement on Monday, Maureen Chinaka, the command’s spokesperson, said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday. 

“Acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Obehie, on 16/09/2026, arrested the above-mentioned suspects for conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking,” she said.

Ms Chinaka said the suspects allegedly conspired to steal a four-day-old baby from her mentally unstable mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person.

The suspects include Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.

She noted that they were apprehended following diligent police investigation.

The rescued victims are a four-day-old baby and the baby’s mentally unstable mother.

“The baby and mother were rescued. The mother has been 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,” she stressed.

Ms Chinaka explained that the suspects are currently in police custody and that investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), after which they will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Wilfred Afolabi, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to justice.