23-Year-Old Lady Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Stealing 4-Month-Old Baby in Enugu

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Magistrate Court in Enugu State has sentenced a 23-year-old woman, Rejoice Odoh, to three years in prison for stealing a four-month-old baby from Oye-Emene Market on October 20, 2026.

According to the police, Odoh pretended to be a customer at the market before carrying the infant and fleeing with him. She reportedly took the baby to her relatives in Nkanu East, where she presented him as her own child.

However, detectives tracked her down and successfully recovered the baby on October 24, 2026.

Odoh pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and child stealing. The court subsequently sentenced her to three years’ imprisonment on each count, with both sentences to run concurrently.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the officers for their swift response and successful recovery of the child.

He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded public places, to prevent similar incidents.