Hospital workers and patients at P and G Hospital in Abule-Egba, Lagos State, have foiled an alleged attempt by a woman to steal a newborn baby after she reportedly disguised herself as a pregnant woman.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday following the intervention of people at the hospital, while her alleged accomplice reportedly fled the scene.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the suspect remained in custody and would be charged in court after investigations had been concluded.
The incident reportedly involved two women, with the detained suspect allegedly stuffing pieces of cloth beneath her clothes to create the appearance of pregnancy. Her alleged accomplice was said to have posed as someone accompanying her for childbirth.
Videos circulating on social media showed the suspect being confronted and questioned by people at the hospital after the alleged plot was uncovered.
In one of the clips, pieces of cloth could be seen falling from beneath her clothing as she was restrained by those around her. Another video showed the woman being held and escorted into a car.
Confirming the incident in response to an enquiry by PUNCH Metro, the police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplice.
“The alleged perpetrator is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the accomplice and charge the case to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” she said.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security of newborn babies in healthcare facilities, particularly the risk of abduction by individuals who gain access to maternity wards under false pretences.
A similar case was reported in Lagos State in 2023, when a 49-year-old woman, Modinat Faniyi, was arraigned before the Yaba Magistrates’ Court for allegedly attempting to steal a newborn baby from Ahmadiya Muslim Hospital in the Ijaiye-Ojokoro area of the state.
The prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that Faniyi allegedly entered the hospital on June 22, 2023, and attempted to leave with the baby while the mother was asleep.
She was arraigned on a one-count charge of attempted theft.
The latest incident highlights the importance of stricter access controls in maternity wards, proper identification of visitors and vigilance by healthcare workers to safeguard newborns and their mothers.
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