Police Arrest Fake Pastor, Accomplice for Stealing Newborn Baby

The Niger Police Command says it has arrested a fake clergyman and his accomplice for criminal conspiracy and child abduction in Minna.

This was contained in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Saturday in Minna.

—How the crime happened—

Abiodun stated that on July 14, about 10 a.m., a report was received at ‘A’ Division, Minna, that a 4-week-old baby was deceitfully taken from a victim around Mobil Roundabout.

“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,” he said.

During investigation, Johnson 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.

On July 13, about 12 p.m., the suspect lured a nursing mother and her 4-week-old baby to Kasuwan-Gwari Area on the pretext that the child would be given food items and alms by a benefactor.

“On arrival, the victim and her friend were instructed by Ibrahim to contact Johnson, who subsequently met them and led the victim into an uncompleted building near Mobil Roundabout,” Abiodun narrated.

He added: “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.”

—Arrest and rescue—

The PPRO disclosed that Ibrahim was also arrested, the baby was rescued, and the child has since been reunited with the mother.

“Meanwhile, the suspects are in custody undergoing investigation after which they will be charged to court for prosecution,” he stated.

The suspects, identified as Chidi Johnson, also known as Yaron Pastor, 24, and Zainab Ibrahim, 22, are in police custody while investigations continue.