38-year-old woman busted for stealing newborn in Wa
Baby Snatched at Wa Hospital Rescued Safely in Savannah Region
Elohim Nyame 
The Upper West Regional Police Command has arrested a 38-year-old woman, Abena Martha Maanibeh, for allegedly abducting a week-old baby and stealing the belongings of the child’s mother.
In a statement signed by the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Darko Offei Lomotey, police said the suspect posed as a caretaker at the Wa Regional Hospital and tricked the baby’s mother, Ms Kwofie Mwinbelle, into leaving the facility.
Ms Mwinbelle, who gave birth to a baby boy on 1 August 2025, was persuaded by the suspect on 10 August to accompany her to the Wa market under the pretext of buying diapers. While there, Maanibeh allegedly fled with the newborn and the mother’s handbag, which contained cash, a mobile phone and other valuables.
Following swift investigations led by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), the suspect was traced to her hideout in Nuobille Community in the Savannah Region on 15 August. The baby was rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with his mother.
“The suspect was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court on Monday, 18 August 2025, and remanded into custody to reappear on 2 September 2025,” the police statement confirmed.
The Police Command has commended the public for their cooperation and urged heightened vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
