The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over alleged conspiracy, child stealing and trafficking in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.

The suspects were identified as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.

According to the Police, operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Obehie, arrested the suspects on September 16, 2026, following credible and actionable intelligence.

The statement said the suspects allegedly conspired to take a four-day-old baby from the infant’s mentally unstable mother and subsequently sold the child to another person.

The Police said the suspects were apprehended after a diligent investigation into the alleged offence.

The baby and the mother were rescued during the operation, while the mother was released to her family for proper care and medical attention.

The infant was subsequently handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody.

The four suspects remain in Police custody as investigation continues at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

The Command said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that individuals responsible for such offences are brought to justice.