The Anambra State Police Command has rescued a 37-year-old woman, Anurika Nweme, from an angry mob after she was accused of attempting to abduct a newborn baby at a hospital in Awada, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred at Divine Mercy Hospital, Eze Iweka Road, where the suspect was alleged to have dressed like a nurse to gain access to the maternity ward.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the woman was seen making secret recordings of newborn babies and allegedly placing phone calls discussing a baby.
The situation reportedly sparked suspicion among hospital staff and bystanders, leading to attempts by a crowd to lynch her before police intervention.
Eyewitnesses said a nursing mother had raised alarm after the woman allegedly asked about the gender of her newborn and later made phone calls while still in the ward.
Police said hospital management confirmed that the suspect was not a staff member of the facility.
“The suspect was rescued from an angry mob by operatives and taken into protective custody,” the statement said.
Ikenga said the Command has commenced a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether the suspect was involved in any child trafficking network.
He added that the suspect is currently assisting investigators with useful information, while efforts are ongoing to identify any accomplices.
The police also cautioned against jungle justice, urging residents to report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies rather than take the law into their own hands.
