Godsent Ogbebor
A 27-year-old unemployed woman, Edna Friday, was arraigned on Wednesday before the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra, for allegedly stealing a baby girl.
Edna, who hails from Urhobo in Delta State, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and child stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Amaechi Augustine, the accused and others who are currently at large committed the offense on January 19 in Awka. He stated that Friday not only stole the child but also participated in the buying and selling of the baby.
The prosecutor cited that the offense violated Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra (1991, as amended), as well as Section 33(4) of the Child Rights Law of Anambra.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate U.E. Onochie granted Friday bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with a surety in like sum and adjourned the case until March 19 for mention.
