The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over alleged conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking in the state.

The suspects were identified as 48-year-old Gladys Nathaniel, 47-year-old Victor Udochukwu, 59-year-old Chijioke Obunwa and 43-year-old Onyeonoro Chinwe.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said the suspects were arrested on September 16, 2026, by operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and Rapid Response Unit in Obehie following credible intelligence.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly conspired to steal a four-day-old baby from her mentally unstable mother and later sold the infant to another person.

The command said the suspects were apprehended after an investigation into the alleged offence.

The police also confirmed that the baby and her mother were rescued. The mother was released to her family for proper care and medical attention, while the infant was placed under the protective custody of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The four suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The police said the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Afolabi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that those responsible for such offences face the law.