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

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

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

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

The police alleged that the suspects conspired to steal a four-day-old baby from her mentally unstable mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person.

The statement added that the suspects were apprehended following police investigation into the alleged offence.

The baby and her 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.

The police 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 perpetrators of such offences are brought to justice.