Hospital workers and patients at P and G Hospital in Abule-Egba, Lagos State, on Saturday, reportedly foiled an alleged attempt by a woman to steal a newborn baby.
Drivetvnews gathered that the Lagos State Police Command confirmed on Sunday that the suspect had been arrested and would be charged in court after investigations were completed.
According to reports, the woman allegedly disguised herself as a pregnant woman by stuffing pieces of cloth beneath her clothes. Another woman was also alleged to have posed as someone accompanying her for childbirth.
Videos circulating on social media showed the suspect being confronted by people at the hospital after the materials used to create the appearance of pregnancy fell to the floor. In one clip, a man wearing traditional attire was seen slapping her as others questioned her.
Another video showed the suspect being restrained and led into a vehicle.
The police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident in response to an enquiry by PUNCH Metro. She said the suspect remained in custody while efforts were underway to arrest her alleged 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,” Adebisi said.
The incident comes amid previous reports of alleged newborn theft attempts in Lagos State.
In 2023, 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.
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 charged with attempted theft.
