The Niger State Police Command has arrested a man posing as a pastor and a female suspect in connection with the abduction of a four-week-old baby in Minna, the state capital.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the suspects were apprehended following a swift investigation aided by technical intelligence.

According to the police, the case was reported at the ‘A’ Division in Minna on July 14 after a nursing mother raised the alarm that her newborn had been taken from her through deception near the Mobil Roundabout area.

The investigation led to the arrest of 24-year-old Chidi Johnson, popularly known as “Yaron Pastor,” who resides in the Abdulsalam Quarters area of Minna.

During interrogation, Johnson allegedly confessed that a 22-year-old woman, Zainab Ibrahim, originally from the Alagbado area of Minna but currently residing in Sokoto State, had asked him to obtain a newborn after she reportedly suffered a miscarriage.

Police said the suspect allegedly deceived the baby’s mother by claiming that a benefactor wanted to give her food items and other assistance.

She was persuaded to accompany him to the Kasuwan-Gwari area on July 13 along with her baby and a friend.

Investigators said the victims were later directed to an uncompleted building near the Mobil Roundabout, where Johnson allegedly offered them snacks and soft drinks to gain their trust. While pretending to play with the infant, he reportedly escaped through the back of the building with the baby and fled on a waiting motorcycle.

The police subsequently arrested Zainab Ibrahim during the investigation.

Authorities confirmed that the baby was successfully rescued and reunited with the mother.

The command added that both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, after which they will be arraigned in court.