Man Steals Baby Boy From Mother In Ose Okwudu Market In Onitsha Anambra State

A 20-year-old man has been arrested by the po­lice in Onitsha, Anambra State, for allegedly steal­ing a six-month-old boy in Ose Okwudu market in the commercial town.

The suspect identified as John (surname with­held), allegedly stole the baby from a young girl, while the mother was busy trading in the market.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Onitsha Central Police Station, Mr. Isah Abuba­kar, a Superintendent of Police (SP), who con­firmed the arrest, said the suspect was arrested at Abuja Park by a curious member of a vigilance outfit, who saw him with the baby.

He stated that policemen were alerted when some­body overheard the sus­pect informing someone on phone that he was com­ing with the baby,whose cry had attracted attention of people at the park.

The DPO, who called on members of the pub­lic to always report any suspected person to the police, blamed the child’s mother, who left him un­der the care of a girl.

He said the suspect would be arraigned when the courts resume from break and warned crimi­nals in the commercial city to leave or face the wrath of the police, who are determined to flush out criminals from the state.

The baby’s mother, Mrs. Onuaka Udenna, said she left him under the care of his sister, when the suspect came and carried him.

But, the suspect denied the allegation, saying that he was an Abuja-based in­terior decorator on a visit to his brother in Onitsha. He stated that he was at the market to buy yam, when he saw the baby cry­ing and wanted to cuddle him.