Akwa Ibom police face backlash over wrongful detention of mother after church event
A woman was detained by police after a church dedication, accused of child theft.

In a troubling incident that has sparked outrage in Akwa Ibom State, a woman was allegedly detained by police officers after attending her three-month-old son's church dedication. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, when Nse Obong-Inyang's sister and mother were stopped during a routine police check in Uyo.
According to Inyang, the family was returning home from the church event when they were intercepted by officers who accused his sister of child theft. Despite presenting clear evidence, including family photographs that confirmed the children's identities, the police continued to detain them. Inyang reported that the officers confiscated his sister's phone and transported the entire family to the State Police Headquarters.
The situation escalated when Inyang's sister managed to send an audio recording to their family group chat just before her phone was taken. In the recording, she described the alarming situation, stating, "Imagine a child I was at his dedication on Sunday today police on a stop and search arrested my sister that she stole the baby on a random stop and search in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, even after evidence of pictures on the phone."
Inyang expressed his gratitude that his sister was able to communicate with the family, as it provided them with crucial information about her whereabouts. He highlighted the distressing nature of the incident, emphasizing the fear that would have ensued had they not received her message.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the Nigerian police, with many citizens questioning the effectiveness and professionalism of law enforcement agencies. Inyang's experience reflects a growing sentiment regarding the need for police reform and accountability in Nigeria.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the police will respond to these allegations and whether any actions will be taken against the officers involved in this incident. The public is calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the matter, hoping to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Sources
- Linda Ikeji's Blog Original article