The Niger State Police Command has successfully rescued a six-month-old baby and arrested four suspects involved in a criminal conspiracy to abduct and sell the child in Suleja.
On January 25, 2025, operatives of Maje Division apprehended Joy Nuwa (20), Favour James (25), Ezekiel Emmanuel (30), and Patience Obana (23) following an intelligence-driven investigation. The incident occurred on January 24 when the baby’s mother left the child in the care of her cousin, Joy Nuwa, at their residence in Kwamba, Suleja. Upon her return, she discovered both Joy and the baby missing.
Following an intensive investigation, police operatives interrogated neighbors, leading to the arrest of Emmanuel and Favour. During questioning, Emmanuel confessed that they had conspired with Joy to take the baby to Patience Obana in Kubwa, Abuja, with the intent to facilitate an illegal sale. Acting on this intelligence, operatives swiftly tracked and apprehended all suspects, ensuring the safe rescue of the infant, who was found unharmed. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Minna for further investigation and prosecution.
The details of the arrest, along with other major operations carried out by the Command, are contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Niger state command SP W.A. Abiodun.
The statement also highlighted the arrest of four suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of a 25-year-old victim in Maje village, Magama. The victim was released after a ₦3 million ransom was paid, and a revolver gun used in the crime was recovered. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
In another development, a suspect, Umar Mohammed of Farar-Doka village, was arrested for allegedly defiled a six-year-old girl who had gone on an errand. Medical examinations confirmed the crime, and he has been transferred to SCID for prosecution.
The release further detailed the arrest of multiple suspects for crimes including murder, theft, and drug peddling. One suspect was apprehended for fatally stabbing a man during a dispute over an Infinix phone, while another was caught with a large quantity of cannabis meant for sale to illegal miners.
Meanwhile,the Commissioner of Police in charge of Niger state, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman.has commended members of the public for their support and cooperation, assured residents of the Command’s continued efforts to curb crime and ensure safety across the state.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police to enhance security operations.
