Man Held for Targeting Newborn’s Placenta in Katsina
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KATSINA — Tension gripped the General Hospital in Funtua, Katsina State, after a 50-year-old man, Sagir Muntari, was arrested for allegedly attempting to steal a newborn baby’s placenta for suspected ritual purposes.
The incident, which sparked panic among patients and hospital workers, was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.
According to the police, the suspect was first spotted roaming suspiciously around sensitive sections of the hospital by security personnel attached to the facility.
“Hospital security operatives became alarmed by the suspect’s strange movement within the premises and immediately alerted the police,” the statement said.
DSP Aliyu disclosed that officers swiftly moved to the hospital and apprehended the suspect before any harm could be done.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that he entered the hospital with the intention of stealing a newborn’s placenta for ritual purposes.
The revelation reportedly sent shockwaves through the hospital community, with relatives of patients expressing concern over the safety of mothers and newborn babies in medical facilities.
The police spokesman said investigations into the matter are ongoing, adding that the suspect would be arraigned in court after the completion of the investigation.
“We are carrying out further investigations, and the suspect will be charged to court accordingly,” Aliyu stated.