Crime

NIB nabs 2 more suspects in alleged baby theft case

The National Investigative Bureau (NIB) have nabbed two more persons allegedly involved in the stealing and sale of babies at Atuabo and Half Assin, in the Western Region.

Komene Nda Kwakye, also known as (aka) John Quashie, who was at large, and Ayisha Barry, were arrested by NIB and arraigned.

Earlier on, a retired midwife allegedly involved in the stealing and sale of babies, at the two communities, were arrested by NIB.

However, when accused were put before an Accra Circuit Court, Cynthia Quashie, a private security personnel, was discharged after charges were amended and substituted.

Cynthia Beyeden, a 63-year-old retired midwife/ nurse, Sylvester Quashie, a mason, EdiemuBozoma, a 55-year-old trader, Kwakye, and Barry appeared before court.

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Beyeden is facing two counts of child stealing, and the others have been variously held over abetment of crime and conspiracy and hindrance to the inquest.

Barry is additionally accused of allegedly abandoning her new born baby at the house of Beyeden.

All the accused have pleaded not guilty.

The court, presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoahadmitted the five accused to GH₵150,000 bail each with two sureties each.

The court ordered prosecution to file its disclosures by December 7, and adjourned the case to December 14.

Mr George Asamaning, counsel for Cynthia, prayed the court to admit his client to bail because she was not a flight risk.

Mr Yaw Dankwah, who represented Sylvester, Bozoma and Kwakye, also prayed the courtto granthis clients bail as the charges preferred against them were flimsy.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) FuseiniYakubu opposed the bail request, saying the NIB would like to conduct a DNA test on Barry to ascertain whether she was one of the mothers of the dead babies.

Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu, had told the court that NIB arrested Beyejen, Bozomaand Quarshie in the Western Region.

The prosecution said Quarshie, was arrested after he attempted to offer a seven-month baby boy for sale at GH¢80,000.00 at Atuabo to an undercover NIB personnel.

He said the NIB’s agent feigned interest in buying the baby and arrested Quarshie.

Chief InspApiorsornu said Sylvester did all the negotiation on phone with the agent and gave recorded video of the late victim, Nhyira, a 10-day-old baby girl to show that he was into the business of baby selling.

Sylvester mentioned Beyejen, a retired midwife as his source, it said.

The prosecution said investigations revealed that Bozoma and Cynthia Quarshieassisted Sylvester QuarshieNyamekeh in the deal.

It said Bozoma and Cynthia Quashie kept and took care of the victims in their houses and later gave them to Sylvester Quarshie for ‘disposal’. -GNA

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