Market Baby Abductor Receives 3-Year Jail Term

A Kpando Circuit Court has sentenced a 31-year-old Stella Amedzorme to three years’ imprisonment for abducting eight-month-old Joel Dzidefo Acheampong from Kpando Market in the Volta Region, in a case that has reignited concerns over child safety and the dangers of leaving young children in the care of acquaintances. The convict, was found guilty after admitting to abducting the infant, who was later rescued unharmed through an intelligence-led operation by the Volta North Regional Police Command. Investigators say she confessed that she acted on the instructions of her fiancé, who remains at large and is now the subject of an ongoing police manhunt.

The incident occurred on July 17, 2026, when the baby’s mother, 21-year-old Gloria Xagbe, temporarily entrusted her eight-month-old son to Amedzorme, a fellow market trader, while she went to buy packaging bags within the market. What appeared to be a routine favour quickly turned into every parent’s nightmare. When Gloria returned moments later, both the woman and her baby had disappeared without a trace. Realising something was terribly wrong, she immediately alerted the police, triggering an urgent search for the missing infant.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, according to the police’s statement, officers tracked Amedzorme to Toviate, a suburb of Kwamekrom in the Oti Region, where she was arrested on July 18—barely a day after the child was reported missing. The baby was rescued safely and with the commitment and help of locals who aided in the search. The baby has since reunited with his family, bringing relief to relatives and residents who had feared the worst.

Police investigations later uncovered that the abduction was allegedly orchestrated by Amedzorme’s fiancé. During interrogation, the suspect admitted taking the child on his instructions, although investigators are yet to establish the motive behind the crime. Authorities have intensified efforts to locate and arrest the fugitive to assist with ongoing investigations. Following her arrest, Amedzorme was first arraigned before the Kpando Circuit Court on July 20, where she was remanded into police custody pending further proceedings. She reappeared before the court on August 3, pleaded guilty to the offence, and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The conviction marks a significant breakthrough for the Volta North Regional Police Command, whose swift response ensured the child was rescued alive before any harm could befall him. The outcome has been hailed as another demonstration of the effectiveness of immediate youthful interventions coupled with intelligence-led policing and in tackling serious crimes involving vulnerable persons. Despite the successful prosecution, the case remains active as police pursue the suspect believed to have masterminded the abduction. Investigators are expected to determine whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a broader criminal scheme.

In the wake of the case, the Volta North Regional Police Command has renewed its appeal to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid leaving children, especially infants, in the care of others without absolute trust and supervision. The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding children, assuring the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the fugitive suspect and ensure that everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice.

By: Joyce Owusu