Police dismiss officer accused of ‘stealing day-old baby’ in Lagos

The Lagos state police command has dismissed Samuel Ukpabio, an inspector, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson, announced the dismissal via his Twitter handle on Thursday. 

 “The recommendation for the dismissal of inspector Samuel Ukpabio has been approved. This automatically paves the way for his prosecution,” he said.

“The state commissioner of police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, assures Lagosians of his unwavering determination to police the state within the dictates of rule of law, civility and respect for human life.”

According to NAN,  Fortune Obhafuoso, a 35-year-old woman, had accused Ukpabio of stealing her day-old baby in connivance with some unidentified persons.

The single mother of three alleged that Ukpabio accused and arrested her of attempting to sell the baby for N3 million and forced her to write a statement. 

Obhafuoso, who said she gave birth on December 22, 2022,  alleged that the dismissed police inspector forcefully took away her baby and gave him to an unknown woman.

She added that Ukpabio threatened her never to return for the child or she will be arrested.

She also said the dismissed police officer gave her N185,000.

Through the help of a women’s rights non-governmental organisation, she got help and reported the matter to security agents who then investigated the situation.