The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old woman, Abena Martha Maanibeh, for allegedly abducting a one-week-old baby and stealing personal belongings from the infant’s mother at Wa Market, popularly known as Kejetia.
According to a police statement issued on August 25, 2025, the incident occurred on August 10, 2025, when the suspect, posing as a caretaker at the Wa Regional Hospital, befriended the baby’s mother, Ms. Kwofie Mwinbelle, shortly after she gave birth on August 1.
The suspect reportedly lured Ms. Mwinbelle to the market under the pretense of helping her purchase baby diapers and absconded with the newborn and the mother’s handbag, which contained a mobile phone, cash, and other personal effects.
A coordinated investigation led by ASP Madam Stella Atukwia of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) resulted in the arrest of the suspect on August 15, 2025, at her hideout in the Nuobollie community in the Savannah Region.
The baby was found unharmed and has since been reunited with the mother. Some of the stolen items were also recovered.
The suspect was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court on August 18, 2025, and remanded into custody. She is expected to reappear on September 2, 2025.
In the statement, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, reassure the public of its “unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Region.”
He further expressed appreciation to the public for their role in successfully arresting the suspect.
