Obuasi court remands woman accused of ‘kidnapping’ five-year-old girl
A 34-year-old woman has been remanded in police custody for allegedly stealing a five-year-old girl and altering her appearance.
The suspect, Helena Oduro, also known as Yaa Ohenewaa, appeared before the Obuasi Circuit Court on Tuesday (14 May), where she was charged with child stealing.
Presiding Judge Mark Deboro ordered that she remain in custody for nine days, pending further investigations.
Police Prosecutor DSP Seidu Braimah told the court that the child (name withheld), went missing on 2 March 2025, after her mother left home to sell items.
An investigation was launched, and the child’s information was widely circulated on social media after the New Edubiase Police declared her missing.
Authorities received a breakthrough on 8 May when the Tuobodom Police informed the New Edubiase District Police Command that the missing child had been found in Helena Oduro’s custody.
The child’s father, Kofi Essah, told the media after proceedings that he was relieved his daughter was found alive, though he expressed shock over her condition.
“She had been maltreated, and her hair was shaved. It was clear they tried to change her appearance,” he said.
Helena Oduro is expected to reappear in court on May 21, 2025, as investigations continue.
The development comes after a six-year-old was found dead in a vehicle at Suame Market last week. The police is not ruling out a case of murder.
