A five-month-old baby boy abducted two months ago has been safely reunited with his mother, thanks to the swift and determined efforts of the Delta State Police Command.
The shocking incident occurred on February 16, 2025, during a trip from Koko to Warri, when a 20-year-old woman embarked on a business journey alongside a woman later identified as 49-year-old Joy Temitope Oyetimi. According to police reports, Oyetimi gained the young mother’s trust and offered her a drink secretly laced with a sedative. The unsuspecting woman fell unconscious mid-journey, giving Oyetimi the opportunity to vanish with the baby boy.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, made the revelation during a press briefing held in Asaba. “The suspect drugged the mother and disappeared with her baby while she was unconscious,” he stated. “This case stands as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable women in society.”
The incident triggered an intense manhunt led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Police Station, and what followed was a painstaking intelligence-driven investigation that lasted several weeks. The breakthrough came when officers tracked down the suspect and arrested her. During interrogation, Oyetimi confessed to abducting the child. The baby, now five months old, was successfully rescued and returned safely to his mother, bringing an end to the family’s nightmare.
“The suspect admitted she was the one who took the child. We’re happy to report that the baby was found in good health and has since been reunited with his parents,” CP Abaniwonda confirmed, describing the operation as a major success in the command’s ongoing war against child trafficking and abuse.
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The case has sparked emotional reactions across the state, with citizens and civil society groups praising the police for their bravery, professionalism, and compassion. Community leaders have also weighed in, calling for greater awareness around child safety and urging the public to remain alert to suspicious behavior.
“No mother should ever endure such horror,” a community elder said. “This was a terrifying experience, but it could have ended worse if not for the relentless efforts of our police force.”
With the suspect now in custody and investigations ongoing, the police are probing deeper to determine whether Oyetimi is linked to any trafficking syndicates or other victims. CP Abaniwonda assured the public that the Delta State Police Command remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable particularly women and children, while encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities that could help thwart future crimes.
This harrowing but ultimately uplifting rescue underscores the importance of vigilance, trust in law enforcement, and the power of community action. As Delta State celebrates this emotional reunion, the story also serves as a warning and a wake-up call: not everyone who smiles at you has good intentions.
