A suspected attempt to steal a newborn baby at P and G Hospital in Abule-Egba, Lagos State, was foiled by alert hospital workers and patients, leading to the arrest of a woman allegedly disguised as a pregnant mother.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the suspect remained in custody and would be arraigned after investigations were concluded.
The suspect allegedly stuffed pieces of cloth beneath her clothing to create the appearance of pregnancy, while another woman reportedly posed as an accompanying relative who had come to assist with the delivery.
Videos circulating on social media showed the suspect being restrained by people at the hospital as the pieces of cloth concealed beneath her clothing fell to the floor, exposing the alleged disguise.
In one of the clips, a man dressed in traditional attire was seen slapping the suspect while others confronted her over the alleged attempt. Another video showed her being restrained and escorted into a car.
Confirming the incident in response to an enquiry by journalists, the police command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspect had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend her alleged accomplice, who fled the scene.
Adebisi added that the case would be taken to court once investigations were completed.
The incident adds to concerns over reported attempts to steal newborn babies from healthcare facilities in Lagos State.
In a similar case, a 49-year-old woman, Modinat Faniyi, was arraigned before the Yaba Magistrates’ Court over an alleged attempt to steal a newborn at Ahmadiya Muslim Hospital in the Ijaiye-Ojokoro area of Lagos.
Faniyi was charged with attempted theft following the incident, which reportedly occurred on June 22, 2023.
According to the prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, the defendant allegedly entered the hospital and attempted to leave with the baby while the mother was asleep.
