Newborn Stolen in Wa: 'Baby thief' arrested

The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old woman, Abena Martha Maanibeh, for allegedly stealing a one-week-old baby and valuables belonging to the infant’s mother at the Wa Market, also known as Kejetia in the Upper West Region of Ghana.

In a press release dated August 18, 2025, the police stated that the incident occurred on August 10, 2025.

The suspect, who had been posing as a caretaker at the Wa Regional Hospital, befriended the baby’s mother, Kwofie Mwinbelle, shortly after she gave birth on August 1.

Investigators said Maanibeh lured the mother to the market under the pretext of helping her buy diapers but took advantage of the opportunity to flee with the newborn and the woman’s handbag containing an undisclosed amount of money, a mobile phone, and other personal items.

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“On August 1, 2025, the complainant, Kwofie Mwinbelle delivered a baby boy at the Wa Regional Hospital, where the suspect was acting as caretaker for another patient. On August 10, 2025, the suspect, under the guise of a caretaker, deceitfully lured the complainant to purchase baby diapers in the Wa market and took advantage of the situation to abscond with the infant and her handbag containing a mobile phone, cash, and other personal effects,” the statement said.

A swift investigation led by ASP Stella Atukwia of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) resulted in the arrest of the suspect on August 15 at her hideout in Nuobollie, a community in the Savannah Region.

Police confirmed that the baby was rescued safely and reunited with his mother, while some of the stolen belongings were also retrieved.

Maanibeh was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court on August 18 and has been remanded into custody.

She is expected to reappear on September 2, 2025.

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The Regional Police Command has assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, while commending the public for their vigilance and cooperation that led to the arrest.

Read full statement below

PRESS RELEASE:

UPPER WEST REGIONAL POLICE COMMAND ARRESTED A SUSPECT FOR BABY STEALING AND THEFT pic.twitter.com/eP6SGA7v3b

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) August 25, 2025

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