Woman, 32, Arraigned In Court Over Alleged Abduction Of 2-Year-Old Boy At Allen Junction

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A 32-year-old woman, Adesina Adenike, was on Monday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over allegations of child abduction.

The defendant was brought before the court by operatives from Alausa Police Division. Police said the incident occurred on June 1, 2026 at about 2:00pm at Allen Junction, Ikeja, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

According to the charge sheet, Adenike was alleged to have stolen a 2-year-old boy, Great Nwanchukwu. The child is the son of one Stella Nwanchukwu.

The prosecution told the court that the toddler was playing at the time. The charge stated that the defendant allegedly entered a tricycle with the child and drove away before she was arrested.

Police said the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015. Section 277 deals with abduction of a child under 14 years.

ASP Agnes John of Alausa Division is the Investigating Police Officer in the case. The Commissioner of Police is the complainant in the matter.

The charge was read to the defendant in court. She pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

The complainant, Stella Nwanchukwu, was listed in the charge as the mother of the 2-year-old boy. Police said the child was recovered following the arrest.

The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, asked the Court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties. The sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The matter was adjourned for mention. The defendant was remanded in the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

Child abduction cases have drawn public concern in Lagos in recent months. Security agencies have urged parents and guardians to monitor children closely in busy areas like markets and bus stops. Legal experts say Section 277 of the Lagos Criminal Law prescribes strict punishment for anyone found guilty of abducting a minor. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.