ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A woman, 28-year-old Adaeze Lawrence, has been taken into custody by the Abia State Police Command after allegedly stealing her friend’s baby boy, who was just one month and two days old.
The theft occurred after Lawrence developed a close friendship with the baby’s mother, Onyinyechi Owujie.
Lawrence, a hair stylist, utilized her connection to Owujie’s elder sister, who was her schoolmate, as a means to gain access to the baby’s family.
Under the guise of celebrating the newborn’s birth, Lawrence absconded with the baby during the celebration.
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Upon the discovery of the theft, the police were notified and successfully located the suspect at her hideout.
ASP Chioma Chinaka, the State Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that Adaeze Lawrence was arrested based on credible intelligence on August 14, 2023.
ASP Chioma Chinaka stated: “She was found in possession of a baby boy who is one month and two days old.”
The Police investigation unveiled that the suspect’s relationship with the baby’s mother’s elder sister facilitated the deception.
The suspect managed to earn the baby’s mother’s trust and capitalized on the opportunity during a celebration outing to steal the baby.
Initially, Adaeze Lawrence denied the allegations, asserting that the baby was hers. However, after medical examinations disproved her claims, she confessed to the abduction.
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The child’s biological mother positively identified the baby, confirming the incident that took place on 6 August 2023.
ASP Chioma Chinaka reassured the public that an ongoing investigation was being conducted into the case.
She advised guardians to be vigilant about their children’s safety and to exercise caution, especially in public settings, when strangers display undue interest in their children.