The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old woman, Joy Nuwa, along with three others for stealing a six-month-old baby and attempting to sell the child in Abuja.

According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the baby’s mother had asked her cousin, Joy Nuwa, to watch over the child while she ran an errand in Suleja.

However, instead of taking care of the baby, Joy conspired with two neighbors and took the child to Kubwa, Abuja, to find a buyer.

The baby’s mother reported the child missing on January 24, 2025, after returning home and realizing both her baby and Joy were gone. When questioned, Joy initially claimed she had locked the baby inside the house.

However, the police found no signs of forced entry, leading them to investigate further.

During the investigation, neighbors Emmanuel Ezekiel and Favour James were arrested. Emmanuel later admitted that they had planned the crime with Joy and had taken the baby to Patience Obana in Kubwa to sell.

On January 25, 2025, police arrested Joy, Emmanuel, Favour, and Patience. Thankfully, the baby was found unharmed and reunited with the mother.

The suspects have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further legal action.

Authorities have urged parents to be cautious about whom they trust with their children, as cases of child trafficking and abduction continue to rise.