Adaeze Lawrence, age 28, has been detained by the Abia state police command on suspicion of snatching a baby boy who was one month and two days old.
After winning the trust of the baby’s mother, Onyinyechi Owujie, the culprit committed the crime. Owujie’s older sister was classmates with Lawrence, who purportedly works as a hair stylist; as a result, he had access to the victim through her.
While the baby’s birth was being celebrated, she is said to have vanished with him. Following reliable information, Lawrence was captured at her hiding place.
ASP Chioma Chinaka, the state police’s public information officer, said:
“On August 14, 2023, at around 4 p.m., the Abia State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Aba, successfully captured one Adaeze Lawrence of Amaogbonna Road, off Osisikakwu Street in Aba after receiving reliable information.
“She was discovered in possession of a one month, two day old baby boy.
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 her friend’s visitor. She took the child missing during their celebratory outing.
Adaeze Lawrence first denied committing the act after being apprehended, but medical tests from the police clinic refuted her statements and forced her to confess. The baby was recognised by the child’s biological mother, who also verified the kidnapping on August 6, 2023.
Once the enquiry is complete, she will be charged in court.