Police detain hospital staff after newborn baby vanishes in Ekiti

DDM News

The Ekiti State Police Command has launched an investigation following the mysterious disappearance of a newborn baby just hours after delivery.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that four individuals, including hospital workers and security staff at Okeyimi Health Centre in Ado-Ekiti, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The baby was reportedly born around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, but went missing overnight, sparking outrage and fear within the community.

Police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the arrests on Monday and said efforts were underway to determine how the infant vanished from the hospital.

He added that medical personnel on duty, hospital security guards, and other individuals present at the facility are being thoroughly interrogated to aid the investigation.

Abutu also stated that the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the case.

The police say they are determined to recover the missing baby and bring those responsible to justice.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a nurse discovered the disappearance early Monday morning while conducting routine care for the mother and child.

The name of the mother and the identities of those arrested have not yet been disclosed to the public.

As of the time of filing this report, hospital management had not issued any public statement regarding the disappearance.

The shocking incident has renewed public concern over the safety of patients and newborns in public health facilities across Nigeria.

Cases of baby theft in Nigerian hospitals have been reported sporadically over the years, often linked to organized syndicates or poor security practices.

In several past cases, investigations have revealed collusion between hospital staff and external traffickers, highlighting deep vulnerabilities in healthcare monitoring.

Okeyimi Health Centre, located in the heart of Ado-Ekiti, serves thousands of patients annually, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

Community leaders and residents have called on the government to enhance security infrastructure in maternity wards and ensure strict surveillance in all public hospitals.

The Ekiti State Ministry of Health has yet to comment on the matter, and no press conference has been scheduled as of Monday afternoon.

Police authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the infant to contact the nearest police station.

Public outcry continues to mount, with advocacy groups demanding urgent reforms in hospital child safety protocols and stiffer penalties for baby theft offenders.

More details are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds in the coming days.

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