Delta State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old woman, Mrs. Joy, for allegedly drugging a nursing mother and stealing her two-month-old baby boy.
The baby has since been rescued and reunited with his parents.
State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed the incident during a briefing at the command’s headquarters in Asaba. He explained that the crime occurred during a business trip from Koko to Warri on February 16, 2025.
“On 7/4/2025 at about 1000 hours, the DPO of Ekpan Police Station received a complaint that a woman (name withheld), aged 20, had embarked on a business trip on 16 February 2025 with one Mrs. Joy from Koko to Warri, Delta,” Abaniwonda said.
According to the police chief, the suspect laced the mother’s juice with a sedative, causing her to fall asleep before absconding with the infant.
“While they were on their way, Mrs. Joy drugged the mother of the child with juice. The mother fell asleep, and the suspect made away with her two-month-old baby boy,” he stated.
Following a tip-off, operatives from the Ekpan Police Division launched an intelligence-led operation that led to the suspect’s arrest.
“After discreet interrogation, the suspect confessed that she was indeed the one who stole the baby. The baby, who is now five months old, has been rescued and handed over to his parents. The suspect is in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” Abaniwonda confirmed.
The police assured the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated, with the suspect facing prosecution upon conclusion. Authorities also urged parents to remain vigilant, particularly when traveling with strangers.
The rescued child is reported to be in good health and has been safely returned to his family.