Police arrest two over alleged bid to snatch two-week-old baby

The Abia State Police Command has detained two young men accused of attempting to take away a two-week-old baby girl in Umuahia.

Police identified the suspects as 24-year-old Nzubechi Chinagorom and 25-year-old Chinonso Chibundu, both residents of Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the incident occurred on May 25 at the residence of 32-year-old Amarachi Chinyereugo.

The command alleged that Chinagorom entered the woman’s home and tried to remove her newborn child by force. The attempt reportedly led to a struggle between the suspect and the baby’s mother.

During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly attacked the woman with a kitchen knife. Police said the infant fell to the ground and struck her head amid the struggle.

Investigators further alleged that Chibundu remained outside the premises and monitored activities while the incident unfolded.

Following a distress alert raised by the victim, the two men reportedly fled the area. However, police operatives tracked and arrested them shortly afterwards at a nearby bus stop.

The command stated that substances believed to be hard drugs were recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest.

The injured mother and her baby were taken to hospital for treatment. Police said both victims responded well to medical care and have since recovered.

According to the statement, detectives recovered relevant exhibits and completed investigations at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The police disclosed that the suspects are expected to be arraigned before a court on June 2.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the command urged residents to support law enforcement efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities and security concerns to the nearest police station.