WOMAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING NEWBORN BABY FROM EKITI HOSPITAL

A 34-year-old woman, Deborah, has been arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command for stealing a newborn baby from the Okeiyinmi Primary Healthcare Centre in Ado-Ekiti. The incident occurred less than 20 hours after the baby’s birth, sparking panic among hospital staff and patients.

Deborah, who was paraded at the police headquarters, confessed to the crime, saying she had been lying to her boyfriend in the UK about being pregnant. “I planned the act to steal the baby because I had lied to my man, who is based in the UK, that I was pregnant for months,” she said. “So, when the man decided that he was coming home to visit me and knowing full well I had been deceiving him to collect money for years.”

According to the police, Deborah carefully planned the act, pretending to be a relative of a patient at the facility to gain access to the maternity ward. She took advantage of lax security and fled with the baby undetected. Deborah claimed she had no intention of harming the baby and was only trying to protect her relationship.

The police spokesperson assured the public that the baby had been rescued and returned safely to the biological mother, who was overwhelmed with emotions upon seeing her child again. “The suspect would be charged to court after the completion of investigations,” he added.

The Ekiti State Police Command arrested Deborah at her residence along Afao Road in Ado-Ekiti, following a tip-off from a citizen. Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo praised the public for their cooperation and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“We approached the supermarket and they gave us the CCTV footage, which showed her face. We got some credible information on her whereabouts from the person who knew she wasn’t pregnant and carrying a new baby, after the news of the incident went viral,” Eribo said.

Deborah expressed deep regret over her actions, saying she doesn’t want to lose her boyfriend. The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served and urged the public to always report suspicious activities within their communities to help maintain safety and order.