On May 9, 2025, officers from the Mankato Department of Public Safety responded to a complaint by Witness 1 of a 5-year-old child (“Victim”) wandering the parking lot at Business 1 in the City of Mankato. Reportedly, Victim’s mother, Abigail Konadu Ahima [DOB REDACTED] left Victim in the car while Ahima attended school at Business 2. Witness 2 told Officer Cogswell Witness 2 observed Victim [NAME REDACTED] at Business 2 after Witness 2 parked, shortly before Witness 1 called 911, a little after 11:00 A.M. When the parking lot at Business 2 was particularly busy.
Witness 2 told Cogswell Victim [NAME REDACTED] told Witness 2 Victim needed to use the restroom urgently. After Victim [NAME REDACTED], Witness 1 and Witness 2 walked Victim back to Ahima’s vehicle, which was unlocked. Victim [NAME REDACTED] on Victim’s tablet while Ahima goes to school. Cogswell noted there was no car seat or booster seat in the back of Ahima’s vehicle but there were a pillow and blanket. When officers spoke with Ahima, Ahima said Victim [NAME REDACTED] in the car alone for more than 15 minutes.
A Business 2 employee told Sergeant Gilberton the employee believed Victim [NAME REDACTED] in Ahima’s vehicle longer than Ahima realized. Officers told Ahima to take Victim home, and about 30 minutes later, Ahima appeared to do that.
