NEWBORN THEFT FOILED AT LAGOS HOSPITAL: ‘SHE PRETENDED TO BE PREGNANT’ — WITNESSES

Hospital workers and patients at P and G Hospital in Abule-Egba, Lagos State, on Saturday foiled an alleged attempt by a woman to steal a newborn baby.

The incident saw the suspect detained by the police, with efforts ongoing to apprehend an accomplice who fled the scene.

THE INCIDENT

The suspect reportedly pretended to be pregnant by stuffing pieces of cloth under her clothing, while another woman allegedly posed as someone who had come to assist her with delivery.

In one of the viral videos seen by reporters, the suspect was forced onto a seat as the pieces of cloth she had stuffed under her clothing fell to the floor.

As she was being dragged towards the seat, a man dressed in traditional attire was seen slapping her across the face, while other people questioned her.

THE POLICE RESPONSE

The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

“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.

A RECURRING CRIME

This is not the first time a suspected newborn theft case has been reported in Lagos State.

In 2023, a 49-year-old woman, Modinat Faniyi, was arraigned before the Yaba Magistrates’ Court for allegedly attempting to steal a newborn baby at Ahmadiya Muslim Hospital in the Ijaiye-Ojokoro area of the state.

In a separate incident, a nurse at a private hospital in Abule Egba foiled an attempt to abduct a newborn, with eyewitnesses saying three women came to the hospital pretending to be visitors before one of them tried to steal the baby.

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WHY IT MATTERS

The foiled theft highlights the vulnerability of newborns in Nigerian hospitals and the importance of vigilant staff and patients.

In this case, the quick action of hospital workers and patients prevented what could have been a devastating loss for a family.

But the incident also raises questions about hospital security protocols. How did the suspect gain access to the maternity ward? How did she believe she could walk out with a baby?

For the police, the case is straightforward. For the hospital, it is a warning.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the suspect is in custody. The investigation continues.