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 valuables belonging to the infant’s mother at Wa Market, also known as Kejetia.
The incident occurred on August 10, 2025.
According to police, the suspect had posed as a caretaker at the Wa Regional Hospital, where she befriended the child’s mother, Ms. Kwofie Mwinbelle, shortly after she delivered on August 1.
Investigations revealed that Maanibeh lured Ms. Mwinbelle to the market under the pretense of helping her buy diapers.
She then took advantage of the situation to flee with the newborn and the woman’s handbag, which contained cash, a phone, and other personal belongings.
A swift investigation, led by ASP Stella Atukwia of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), led to the suspect’s arrest on August 15 at her hideout in Nuobollie, a community in the Savannah Region.
Police confirmed that the baby was rescued unharmed and reunited with his mother, while some of the stolen items were also recovered.
Maanibeh was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court on August 18 and was remanded into custody. She is expected to reappear in court on September 2, 2025.
