Miami, FL – A 23-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday at Miami International Airport after allegedly attempting to take a 4-year-old boy from his mother, according to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident Overview
Authorities say Alvina Agba, 23, claimed she was merely trying to calm the crying child, but she allegedly walked away with the boy in her arms after the mother allowed her to hold him briefly.
Police reports indicate that the child’s mother, who is reportedly from England, was standing at a checkout counter when Agba approached and offered to help. Once Agba took the child, she allegedly refused to return him, telling the mother,
“No, this is my child.”
Agba then reportedly sat on the floor, wrapping her arms and legs around the boy to keep him still, and allegedly pushed the mother away when she tried to retrieve her son.
Intervention by Witnesses
Witnesses intervened to prevent the child from being taken. Naylet Montano, a bystander, reportedly pried the boy from Agba and ran behind a counter for safety. Agba allegedly tried to reach under the counter to grab the child again.
Three nearby men also stood between Montano and Agba, ensuring the child’s safety until sheriff’s deputies arrived. Agba was apprehended at an airport checkpoint shortly thereafter.
Statements and Claims by Agba
When questioned by police, Agba gave unusual explanations for her actions:
- She claimed she intended to take the boy to a wall with a rainbow on it to calm him.
- She stated she didn’t remember events after the mother demanded her child back.
- Agba reportedly said she only acted because “God told her to do it.”
Charges and Custody
Agba faces multiple charges, including:
- Interference with custody (felony)
- Two misdemeanor counts of battery
She is currently held at Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation and was expected to appear before a judge later on Tuesday.
Safety and Awareness
Authorities remind parents and travelers to remain vigilant in public spaces, especially airports. Letting strangers hold young children, even for seemingly benign reasons, can pose serious safety risks.
“It’s important to monitor children closely and intervene quickly if a stranger tries to take them,” said a spokesperson from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of caution and quick action in public spaces. Thanks to witnesses and law enforcement, the child was safely returned to his mother, and the suspect is now in custody.
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