Adaeze Lawrence, age 28, is being held by the Abia State Police Command on suspicion of snatching a baby boy who was one month and two days old.
Before committing the act, Adaeze earned the mother of the child, Onyinyechi Owujie,’s trust and friendship.
According to reports, the suspect, a hair stylist, was friends with Owujie’s older sister in school and used that connection to contact Owujie.
According to reports, she asked that they celebrate the baby’s birth and then left with the baby during the celebration.
She was detained at her hiding place when the police received a report of the incident.
The culprit was apprehended on Monday, according to a statement from the state police public relations officer, ASP Chioma Chinaka.
According to the statement, Adaeze Lawrence of Amaogbonna Road, off Osisikakwu Street in Aba, was successfully caught on August 14, 2023, at around 4 o’clock after the Abia State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Aba, got reliable information.
“She was discovered in possession of a one month, two day old baby boy.
“The accused admitted taking the infant from Onyinyechi Owujie’s home at 5, Cricke Road, off Nigeria Brewery, Aba, during questioning.
The suspect and the baby’s mother’s older sister were classmates, according to the investigation. The defendant used this connection to win the mother of the child’s trust.
“The suspect asked to attend the new baby’s birth celebration while pretending to be visiting her friend. She stole the baby during their celebratory outing.
The statement also said that the suspect initially denied kidnapping the infant, insisting that he was hers, but then confessed to the crime after a medical check indicated that she was not the child’s original mother.
“When Adaeze Lawrence was first detained, she vehemently denied having committed the act, but subsequent medical testing from the police clinic confirmed her innocence and forced her to confess. The baby was recognised by the child’s biological mother, whose confirmation of the kidnapping on August 6, 2023, was included in the statement.
Chinaka stated that the case was still under investigation.
She also gave the public the advice to watch out for their kids and be aware of where they are, especially while in a public setting.
“The public is advised to maintain constant supervision of children and exercise caution when strangers take an interest in their children, especially in public places,” she stated.
