There was outrage in Anambra State on Tuesday when a woman disguised as a nurse attempted to abduct newborns at Divine Mercy Hospital, a private facility in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area. The suspect, who carried a nylon bag containing a nurse’s gown, entered the hospital claiming to be a newly employed nurse and moved to the children’s ward, where she allegedly tried to take some newborns.
Witness accounts and video evidence
Video clips circulating on Facebook showed patients and women who had recently delivered their babies accusing the woman of being a child trafficker and criminal. In one clip, a patient narrated in Igbo: “Somebody walked into the hospital, wore a white gown and claimed she is a nurse and tried to carry some newborns and she was caught.” Another patient said the woman asked new mothers the gender of their newborns, then stepped out to phone an unknown person and asked what gender of child they wanted.
Police confirm arrest and investigation
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, a superintendent of police, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday. He said the suspect was placed under protective custody after police from Awada Divisional Headquarters rescued her from an angry mob. “The suspect is currently in protective custody and assisting the investigating police officers in identifying others involved,” Ikenga said. The case is suspected to be child trafficking, and police are investigating.
Details from police statement
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect allegedly gained access to the hospital premises on the afternoon of 23 June 2026 disguised in attire resembling that of a nurse and was observed making secret video recordings of newborn babies in the maternity ward. When questioned, she claimed to be an employee, but hospital management confirmed she was not a staff member.
