MICHAEL AKINOLA
Police intelligence operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, have arrested a 46-year old woman, Josephine Joshua, for allegedly stealing a 2-year old baby and selling to an undisclosed buyer in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Apasa Street in Mosafejo area of Amukoko, Lagos.
According to the Police, the elder sister of the victim, Aishat Abdulrafiu, was backing the victim when Josephine snatched her the back and handed the victim to her colleague and they escaped. Since then the victim got missing while the victim’s elder sister, Aishat, informed her parents and the Police that it was Josephine that snatched the victim from her back.
Thus, the matter was reported to the Police in the area and Josephine was arrested. She was later transferred to the SCID, Yaba, for further investigation.
After thorough interrogation, the Police found her culpable for the missing of the baby. She was subsequently charged before the Yaba Magistrate Court for conspiracy and stealing, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
She pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Thomas Nurudeen, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since she pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. P.E. Nwaka, granted her bail with sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment and addresses verified by the Court.
The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre pending when she will perfect her bail conditions while the matter was adjourned till 16th October, 2023, for mention.