The Benue State Police Command has rescued a newborn baby who was allegedly stolen shortly after birth at a healthcare facility in Gboko, while eleven suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
According to the Command, the case began on August 12, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when operatives attached to the A Division in Gboko received a distress report from Aondofa Chia, whose wife had just given birth at a local healthcare facility. Chia told police that the newborn had gone missing from the facility.
Acting swiftly, police operatives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of nine suspects, who were questioned to help establish the circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance.
The breakthrough came later that night, at around 10:00 p.m., when two additional suspects were apprehended, among them the alleged mastermind, 35-year-old Nguhemen Asugh, identified by police as the woman who took the infant. The baby was recovered from her custody and reunited with the mother.
With the latest arrests, the total number of suspects in police custody has risen to eleven. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact roles played by each suspect and their degree of culpability in the case.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, praised the operatives for their swift response and professional handling of the case. He assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to respond decisively to threats against public safety.
The police have also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Information can be submitted at the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08066006475 and 07067374913.
