Police Operatives from the Ughelli Area Command on Wednesday arrested a suspect for allegedly attempting to steal a two-month-old baby. The infant was rescued by a mob in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspect, identified as Lucky, had allegedly entered the bedroom where two-month-and-two-week-old baby, Eric Oghenevwede Oghenekparobo, was sleeping.

According to sources, “The suspect was chased after an alarm was raised by the baby’s mother, Mrs. Oke Oghenekparobo, who saw a strange man emerging from her bedroom with the baby.

“She raised the alarm, attracting neighbors who pursued the suspect before he was eventually apprehended by residents and a mob from the area,” the source narrated.

Mrs. Oke Oghenekparobo, 28, in tears, recounted the incident: “I saw the man coming out of our house with my son, and since I did not know him, I immediately raised the alarm.

“As soon as I screamed, he dropped my son and tried to escape. He jumped over a fence, but he was pursued and eventually caught by neighbors.

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“I am still in shock and unable to fully explain what happened at that moment. However, my instinct gave me the courage to raise the alarm,” she said.

Another source added, “When I apprehended the suspect, he initially claimed that he was not the thief and that the real culprit had escaped. However, one of the local youths identified him as the suspect.

“He had already tricked me into letting him go, but thanks to those who recognized him, we ensured he was captured.

“Before the police arrived, he was boasting that nothing would happen to him and that the authorities would release him immediately upon arrival at the station.”

The suspect, claiming innocence, stated that he had only visited a friend, who is a bricklayer in the area, before being accused of child theft.

According to him, “People know me. I am from Otovwodo, and I am a father. There is no reason for me to steal another person’s child.”

The prompt arrival of police officers attached to the Ughelli Area Command saved the suspect from being set ablaze by the angry mob.