23-year-old lady sentenced to 3 years in jail for stealing four-month-old child in Enugu

A Magistrate Court in Enugu State has sentenced a 23-year-old lady, Rejoice Odoh, to 3 years in jail for stealing a four-month-old child from Oye-Emene Market.

The incident occurred on October 20, 2026, when Odoh reportedly pretended to be a buyer on the market earlier than carrying the child away.

According to the police, she took the kid to her family members in Nkanu East Local Government Area, the place she falsely offered him as her personal son.

Following a police investigation, detectives tracked down the suspect and recovered the child on October 24, 4 days after he was taken.

Odoh pleaded responsible to prices of conspiracy and baby stealing.

The courtroom subsequently sentenced her to 3 years’ imprisonment on every rely, with each sentences to run concurrently, which means she is going to serve a complete of three years.

Reacting to the event, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, counseled the officers concerned within the investigation for his or her swift response and profitable restoration of the kid.

He additionally suggested dad and mom and guardians to stay vigilant, notably in crowded public locations, to forestall related incidents.