Adaeze Lawrence, 28, is being held by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly stealing her friend’s one-month-and-two-day-old baby boy.
According to reports, Lawrence gained the trust of the baby’s mother, Onyinyechi Owujie, and became her friend before committing the crime.
The suspect, a hair stylist, was said to be Owujie’s elder sister’s schoolmate, through whom she gained access to her (Owujie).
She allegedly requested that they celebrate the baby’s birth and then absconded with the boy.
The case was reported to the police, and she was apprehended in her hideout.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Chioma Chinaka, credible intelligence led to the suspect’s arrest on Monday.
The statement read, “On August 14, 2023, around 4 pm, 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 discovered in possession of a one-month-and-two-day-old baby boy.”
“During questioning, the accused admitted to kidnapping the child from Onyinyechi Owujie’s residence at 5, Cricke Road, off Nigeria Brewery, Aba.”
The suspect and the baby’s mother’s older sister were classmates, according to the investigation. The suspect 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 visiting her friend. On their celebration outing, she absconded with the baby.”
The statement also revealed that the suspect initially denied kidnapping the child, insisting that he was hers, but later confessed to the crime after a medical report revealed that she was not the child’s biological mother.
“When the suspect was arrested, 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 continued.
Chinaka stated that an investigation into the case was ongoing.
She also advised the public to be cautious of their children and to be aware of their whereabouts, especially when in public.
“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.
