A newborn baby boy delivered through an emergency Caesarean Section was stolen just hours after birth at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, DASH, in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.
The incident occurred around 6 am on Tuesday in the post-natal ward of the state-owned specialist hospital.
According to sources, the caregiver, a relative of the 20-year-old mother (name withheld), allegedly left the baby in the care of an unidentified stranger.
The caregiver had reportedly left for home to pick something when the suspect, described as wearing a yellow hijab and having a facial mark, took advantage of the caregiver’s absence, whisking the newborn away to an unknown destination.
An official of the hospital, speaking under anonymity, confirmed the incident and stated that the matter had been promptly reported to the police for appropriate action.
The relative is currently in custody, and the hospital management is collaborating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.
The hospital is currently reviewing CCTV footage to aid in the identification and apprehension of the suspect.
When contacted, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Ramhan Nansel, said that he had not been officially briefed on the matter.
