Woman who faked pregnancy caught trying to steal newborn at Abule-Egba hospital

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

PUNCH Metro learnt from the Lagos State Police Command on Sunday that the suspect had been detained and would be arraigned after investigations.

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 viral video, the suspect was forced onto a seat as the cloth fell to the floor. A man in traditional attire was seen slapping her, while others questioned her. Another video showed her being held as she was made to enter a car.

The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

“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.

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