Police in Anambra State have arrested a 29-year-old woman, Miss Chinwendu Umegbakafoe, for allegedly stealing her neighbour’s child.
It was gathered that the suspect allegedly stole the three-year-old girl with the intention to sell her.
The incident happened on Saturday, at Nwawulu Street, Okpoko, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The suspect, a native of Isinkwo Abaomege in the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, initially denied the child theft, but later confessed after interrogations.
Confirming the incident, the state Police spokesman, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, said the baby had, however, been rescued and returned to its parents.
He said, “The Anambra State Command operatives, on Saturday, arrested one Miss Chinwendu Umegbaka, 29 years, native of Isinkwo Abaomege in the Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State.
“She was arrested on alleged case of child stealing at Nwawulu street, Okpoko, Onitsha, Anambra State.
“Preliminary information revealed that the suspect is a neighbour to the parents of the child.
“Chinwendu, when arrested initially, denied to know the whereabouts of the three-year-old girl. Further interrogation by the police made her to confess to the stealing of the child with the intention of selling her.
“Meanwhile, the child has been recovered and handed over to the parent,” Ikenga said.
He added that further investigation into the matter had commenced, and would be communicated as events unfolded.