“Baby Stealer Caught: 38-Year-Old Woman Remanded for Wa Market Heist”

The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested Abena Martha Maanibe, a 38-year-old woman, for stealing a one-week-old baby and other valuables belonging to the baby’s mother at the Wa Kejetia market.

According to the police report, the suspect, who was acting as a caretaker for another patient at the Wa Regional Hospital, deceitfully lured the complainant to purchase baby diapers in the Wa market and took advantage of the situation to abscond with the infant and her handbag containing a mobile phone, cash, and other personal effects.

Swift and coordinated investigative action by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit Coordinator, ASP Madam Stella Atukwia, and investigators led to the arrest of the suspect on August 15, 2025, at her hideout in Nuobollie community, in the Savannah Region.

The stolen baby was safely rescued and reunited with the mother, and some of the stolen items were successfully retrieved.

The suspect was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court on Monday, August 18, 2025, and remanded into custody to reappear on September 2, 2025.

The Upper West Regional Police Command wishes to reassure the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Region and extends its heartfelt gratitude to the public for their vigilance and contributions to the successful arrest of the suspect.