The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged abduction of a four-week-old baby in Minna, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Chidi Johnson, 24, popularly known as “Yaron Pastor,” and Zainab Ibrahim, 22, were arrested following an investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred on July 14 near the Mobil Roundabout in Minna.
Police spokesperson SP Wasi’u Abiodun confirmed the development in a statement issued in Minna, saying the case was first reported at the A Division Police Station, where detectives immediately began an investigation.
Police Investigation Leads to Arrest of Suspects
According to the police, investigators tracked down Johnson after receiving the report. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed that Zainab had asked him to help obtain a newborn baby after she reportedly lost her pregnancy.
The police alleged that Johnson carried out a carefully planned deception to gain the trust of the baby’s mother before abducting the infant.
How the Baby Was Allegedly Stolen
Investigators said Johnson approached the nursing mother with a promise that a kind-hearted individual wanted to provide her with baby food and other relief items.
Believing the offer was genuine, the woman reportedly followed him with her four-week-old baby to an uncompleted building near the Mobil Roundabout.
Police said Johnson offered the mother and another woman snacks and soft drinks to make them feel comfortable before carrying the baby under the pretense of playing with the child.
He allegedly escaped through the rear of the building, where a motorcycle was already waiting, and fled with the newborn.
According to SP Wasi’u Abiodun:
“After offering them snacks and soft drinks to gain their confidence, the suspect pretended to play with the baby before escaping through the rear exit of the building on a waiting motorcycle with the child.”
Baby Safely Rescued and Reunited With Mother
Following further investigations, police arrested the second suspect, Zainab Ibrahim, and successfully rescued the baby.
Authorities confirmed that the infant has been safely reunited with the mother.
The Niger State Police Command said investigations are still ongoing, adding that both suspects will be charged to court once the investigation is completed.
