Woman apprehended after stealing her friend’s one-month-old baby

A young woman, looking innocent was apprehended by the Abia State Police Command after she allegedly abscond with her friend’s one month old baby.

The 28-year-old lady, identified as, Adaeze Lawrence, was arrested after she gained the trust of one Onyinyechi Owujie, the mother of the one month, two days old baby in other to steal the baby from her.

Lawrence, who happens to be a hair dressed, was the schoolmate of the mother’s elder sister who she gain access to commit the crime.

According to reports, she was said to have requested that they celebrated the baby’s birth and flee with the child amidst the celebration.

Confirming the event in a statement, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Chioma Chinaka, stated that the case was reported to the police following which she was arrested in her hideout.

According to the spokesperson, credible intelligence led to the suspect’s arrest on Monday, August 14, 2023.

The statement read; “On August 14, 2023, around 4pm, the Abia State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Aba, received credible information and effectively apprehended one Adaeze Lawrence of Amaogbonna Road, off Osisikakwu Street in Aba.

“She was found in possession of a baby boy who is one month and two days old. During interrogation, the accused confessed to abducting the child from Onyinyechi Owujie’s residence situated at 5, Cricke Road, off Nigeria Brewery, Aba.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect and the baby’s mother’s elder sister were schoolmates. The suspect took advantage of this relationship to gain the baby’s mother’s trust.

“The suspect, under the pretence of visiting her friend, requested to celebrate the new baby’s birth. On their celebration outing, she absconded with the baby.”

The police PRO also revealed that the suspect earlier denied the abduction with the claim that she was the mother of the young boy, but thanks to the medical report, it was confirmed that she was not the biological mother, then she confessed to the crime.

“Upon the suspect’s arrest, Adaeze Lawrence denied the crime, but medical examinations from the police clinic disproved her claims, leading to her confession. The child’s biological mother identified the baby, confirming the abduction on August 6, 2023,” the statement added.

Chinaka, who said an investigation was ongoing on the case, also advised the public to be protective of their children and to know their whereabouts, especially when in a public place.

“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 said.