From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Imo State Police Command has in its custody four women who stole a 20-month-old baby of a visually impaired woman, Mrs Joy Ekwennaya, from Amuri Omanze in Isu Local Government Area of Imo State.
The suspects were said to have lured the mother of the baby to Umuahia, Abia State, pretending to be operators of a charity organisation where they deceitfully stole her baby from her after a promise of financial assistance.
However, when the matter was reported to the police by the mother, a swift investigation was carried out by the X-Squad of the police command which led to the arrest of one Chioma Theresa, 42 years old, from Aboh Mbaise, who confessed to having bought the baby for N1.5 million, and the arrest of another woman, Gabriel Amarachi, 41, from Ngwa, Aba South council area of Abia State, who posed as a social welfare officer during the deal.
Other key suspects arrested in connection with the crime are Maria Nwaeze, 63, of Ariam Oboro and Rejoice Odimba, 29, of Ahai Eke, both from Abia State.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, who disclosed this in a statement he released to newsmen on Wednesday, said further investigation revealed that the entire scheme was masterminded by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who are currently at large.
“The couple orchestrated the deceitful invitation that led Mrs Ekwennaya to Aba, exploiting her vulnerability under the guise of offering assistance.
“Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been medically examined and safely reunited with her mother on 28th May 2025 after due documentation,” Okoye said.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has assured the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, especially children.
He warned that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state and urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.