‎From Yusuf Ibrahim, Minna

‎The Niger State Police Command has said it has arrested a fake pastor and his alleged accomplice over the abduction of a four-week-old baby in Minna.

‎The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna.

‎Abiodun said a report received at the ‘A’ Division, Minna, on July 14 at about 10am indicated that a four-week-old baby had been deceitfully taken from its mother around the Mobil Roundabout area.

‎He said police detectives immediately commenced an investigation and deployed technical intelligence, leading to the arrest of Chidi Johnson, also known as ‘Yaron Pastor,’ 24, of Abdulsalam Quarters, Minna.

‎“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.

‎“During investigation, he 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,” he narrated.

‎According to the police spokesperson, Johnson allegedly lured a nursing mother and her four-week-old baby to the Kasuwan-Gwari area on July 13 at about 12 p.m.

‎“Johnson said it was 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.

‎“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,” he said.

‎Abiodun said Ibrahim was also arrested, while the baby was rescued and reunited with its mother.

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