Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a woman accused of abducting two babies in separate incidents in Ughelli, Delta State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the arrest in a video shared on social media, stating that the suspect, identified as Joy, was apprehended after allegedly taking the children from their caregivers.
According to Edafe, investigations revealed that one of the babies, aged four months, was allegedly taken after the suspect approached the child’s mother under the pretext of purchasing groundnuts.
He said the suspect reportedly distracted the caregivers and left with the infant, prompting a search by the family.
Edafe further disclosed that in an earlier incident, the suspect allegedly befriended a young mother who sold tickets by the roadside. During one of her visits, she reportedly offered to help carry the woman’s baby before disappearing with the child.
The police spokesman said the suspect was arrested following investigations into the incidents.
In her statement to police, the suspect reportedly claimed she had experienced family challenges related to childbirth and had recently lost a set of twins shortly after delivery.
She allegedly told investigators that she took the children because she was struggling with how to explain the loss of her babies to her husband and relatives ahead of a planned child dedication ceremony.
Police said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being made to reunite the children with their families and conclude the necessary legal processes.
