How A Man Abducted 20-Month-Old Toddler From Parents’ Residence

A trader and mechanic identified as Ufuoma Adavwetvwe, 35, was reportedly brought before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court for allegedly abducting a 20-month-old toddler, Ifeanyi Okwedi, while he was playing in a compound on Fatai Aremu Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos.

He reportedly told the police he had wanted to sell the boy to one Wale in the Marina area of the state.

According to Punch, Adavwetvwe had beckoned on the toddler, but he reportedly declined and was scurrying to meet his parents, who were said to be inside the house, when the trader accosted him. He had almost escaped with Okwedi when a resident of the area, who reportedly knew the toddler and his parents, challenged him.

Adavwetvwe had identified himself as Okwedi’s father to the resident, who alerted other neighbours.

After rescuing the child, an angry mob descended on the suspect and beat him up. It was learnt that he was about to be lynched when cops from the Ajegunle Police Station intervened.

He said, “I am a trader. I live on Agbeino Street, Olodi-Apapa. The boy did not answer me when I waved to him. I chased and carried him while he was trying to run inside. I was going to sell the baby Wale in Marina.”

Okwedi’s father, James, said a youth barged into his room to notify him of the incident.

He said, “After feeding my son on the fateful day, I left him outside to play with other children. His mother was cooking in the kitchen. Suddenly, a man rushed in and told me that he saw my child with a stranger. I did not believe until I got to the street and saw a crowd around the suspect and my child.”

Adavwetvwe pleaded not guilty to one count of abduction.

He was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned till June 17, 2015.