Ekiti: Woman Arrested for Stealing Newborn Baby to Deceive UK-Based Boyfriend

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old woman, identified simply as Deborah, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby from Okeiyinmi Primary Health Centre in Ado-Ekiti.

The shocking incident occurred on Monday, and the suspect was arrested two days later at her residence along Afao Road in the state capital.

While parading the suspect on Wednesday, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph Eribo, revealed that Deborah left behind a polythene bag at the hospital, which contained a receipt for baby items purchased at a popular supermarket. Investigators traced the receipt to the store, where CCTV footage captured her face, helping identify and locate her.

Eribo further explained that police received a tip-off from someone who knew the suspect was never pregnant but was suddenly seen with a newborn baby. Under questioning, Deborah confessed to the crime, saying she stole the baby to keep up lies she had been telling her UK-based boyfriend.

“I stole the baby when my UK-based boyfriend said he was coming to Nigeria,” Deborah admitted. “I had been lying to him to get money. So I faked a pregnancy by stuffing clothes under my dress.”

According to her confession, she disguised as an expectant mother on Sunday morning to gain access to the maternity ward. She then befriended a Hausa-speaking couple whose baby had just been delivered.

“Since I speak Hausa, I was able to bond with the mother and her husband. The man even asked me to look after his wife and baby when he left that night,” she added.

Deborah said she took advantage of the quiet early hours on Monday, slipping away with the baby around 5 a.m., while the mother slept and no medical staff was present.

The stolen baby has since been safely reunited with the parents.

Police say further investigations are ongoing and Deborah will be charged to court soon.