Bamenda: 38-year-old woman arrested for kidnapping three-week-old baby
A 38-year-old woman, Priscilla, has been arrested by the Bamenda Central Police for allegedly kidnapping a three-week-old baby in Bambili, Tubah Subdivision, Mezam Division of the North West region.
According to the Commissioner of the Bamenda Central Police, Emmanuel Mbock, the prime suspect was arrested on January 30, 2025, at Up Station, Bamenda I Subdivision, after a complaint was filed by the baby’s family members on January 7.
Police Commissioner Mbock explained that Priscilla was lured to Bamenda from Bafut, where she had taken the baby, and was subsequently arrested.
The baby’s mother, Catherine, recounted the events leading up to the kidnapping. She said that Priscilla visited her in Bambili on January 7, 2025, with two cubs of soap, after promising to do so when they met at the Bambui district health center. Catherine stated that Priscilla took the baby away when she stepped out to buy top milk.
Catherine expressed her relief at being reunited with her baby, saying, “I have not been able to sleep. I prayed every day. I had even cursed this woman who took away my baby.”
When questioned about her motives, Priscilla struggled to articulate a clear response, saying, “I wanted to help the baby… I saw the condition of the child… the child was born and wasn’t fine.”
Priscilla, a petty trader, revealed that she has no children of her own and had suffered a miscarriage in the past, which left her unable to conceive.
The suspect is expected to face judicial proceedings in the coming days to answer charges for the crime.
