By Julian Arese Osawe

Operatives of Edo Police Command have successfully rescued a seven-month old baby girl who was abducted and sold by her caregiver five months ago in Benin City.

The rescue and reunification of baby Grace Osamagbe with her family last week marks the end of harrowing ordeal her sudden disappearance caused her family.

The child’s grandfather, Jacob Egharevba had reported in April that his granddaughter, Grace, was abducted by her caregiver, and that all efforts to find her proved futile.

Following the complaint, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit of the Command swiftly launched an investigation resulting in the arrest of one 24 year old Rejoice Samuel Chukwu, and her boyfriend, 28 year old Destiny Uchechukwu, at Peptic junction in  Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi gave the account while detailing achievements of the Command within the last two weeks in Benin City.

CP Umoru said on interrogation, Rejoice and her boyfriend admitted to having abducted the little child and absconded with her despite demanding and collecting a ransom of N160,000.

The lovebirds further confessed to have sold the baby for N500,000 to one Doris Chiwendu in Owerri, Imo State.

According to CP Umoru, on November 9, 2024 at about 12:40 pm, the said Doris Chiwendu and one Jane Amaigbo were arrested at Ubomiri area of Imo State, and the victim Osamagbe Grace now one year and two months old was rescued and reunited with her parents. 

The suspects will soon be charged to court.