The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old woman, identified as Deborah, for stealing a newborn baby from a hospital ward at Okeiyinmi, Ado-Ekiti.
Police spokespersons said Deborah was apprehended on Wednesday at her residence along Afao Road following a tip-off. The baby had gone missing less than 20 hours after birth, prompting panic at the primary healthcare centre.
Deborah admitted to the crime, stating, “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.” She said she disguised herself with clothes under her gown and pretended to be an expectant mother.
“I observed the mother was a Northerner and spoke Hausa with her. Around 5 a.m. when she was asleep and no nurse was around, I took the baby home,” she said.
Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, confirmed the arrest, citing CCTV footage and witness reports as key evidence. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities.