Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have apprehended a woman accused of abducting a two-month-old baby boy after allegedly drugging his mother with a spiked drink. The child has since been rescued and reunited safely with his parents.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, revealed the details of the case during a press briefing held on Thursday at the Command’s headquarters in Asaba. He described the incident as a disturbing case of calculated deceit and child abduction.
According to the Commissioner, the incident occurred earlier this year when the baby’s 20-year-old mother, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, went on a business trip from Koko to Warri in Delta State on February 16, 2025. She was accompanied by the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Mrs. Joy.
During the trip, the suspect reportedly offered the young mother a juice drink that had been laced with a sedative. Shortly after consuming the drink, the unsuspecting mother lost consciousness. Taking advantage of the situation, the suspect fled with the woman’s two-month-old baby boy.
The matter was formally reported on April 7, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m. to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan Police Station. The DPO, acting swiftly on the complaint, initiated an intelligence-led investigation to track down the suspect.
Through diligent efforts and coordinated surveillance, officers were able to locate and apprehend Mrs. Joy. During a discreet interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to abducting the infant, who by then had reached the age of five months.
Commissioner Abaniwonda confirmed that the baby was found in good health and has since been handed back to his parents. He assured the public that the suspect remains in police custody and that a thorough investigation is underway to determine if there were accomplices or prior similar offenses.
He emphasized the Command’s commitment to child protection and swift justice, stating, “This case is a reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go to carry out criminal acts.
Fortunately, due to the professionalism and resolve of our officers, this child has been returned safely. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”
The police urged citizens to remain vigilant, especially when interacting with unfamiliar individuals, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.