The Niger State Police Command has arrested a suspected fake pastor and his alleged accomplice for the abduction of a four-week-old baby in Minna, the state capital.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the baby has been rescued and reunited with its mother.
According to Abiodun, the incident was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station on July 14 at about 10 a.m., after the infant was deceitfully taken from its mother around the Mobil Roundabout area of Minna.
He said police detectives immediately launched an investigation, deploying intelligence and technical resources that led to the arrest of the prime suspect, Chidi Johnson, popularly known as “Yaron Pastor,” 24, of Abdulsalam Quarters, Minna.
“Upon receipt of the report, police detectives from the division immediately commenced investigation and deployed technical intelligence, which led to the arrest of Chidi Johnson, aka ‘Yaron Pastor’, 24, of Abdulsalam Quarters.
“During investigation, he confessed that Zainab Ibrahim, 22, of Alagbado Area, Minna, but residing in Sokoto State, had contracted him to procure a newborn baby following her reported miscarriage,” Abiodun said.
The police spokesperson explained that Johnson allegedly lured the nursing mother and her baby to the Kasuwan-Gwari area on July 13 under the guise of receiving food items and alms from a benefactor.
According to the police, the victims were instructed by Ibrahim to contact Johnson, who met them and escorted them to an uncompleted building near Mobil Roundabout.
“Upon arrival at the uncompleted building, Johnson offered snacks and soft drinks to gain their confidence while pretending to play with the baby.
“Unfortunately, in the process of playing with the baby, the suspect fled with the baby through a rear exit of the building on a motorcycle to an unknown destination,” Abiodun stated.
The police said further investigations led to the arrest of Ibrahim, who allegedly masterminded the plot after suffering a miscarriage and seeking to obtain a newborn child.
Abiodun confirmed that the abducted baby was successfully rescued and reunited with its mother.
He added that both suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
“Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody undergoing investigation after which they will be charged to court for prosecution,” he said.
