By Abdulahmeed Abdulrozaq Bilal | Fact Frontier.
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A suspected thief who disguised himself as a hospital steward to evade security has been apprehended at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The suspect was caught in the act of stealing a smartphone, but a subsequent search revealed he may be responsible for a series of past thefts within the facility.
According to a report shared on the Arojinle Facebook timeline, the incident occurred earlier today within one of the clinical wards. Witnesses said the suspect, dressed in a steward’s uniform commonly worn by hospital support staff, moved freely through restricted areas without raising suspicion. His appearance allowed him to blend in seamlessly with genuine hospital workers, making it easier for him to approach unattended personal belongings of medical personnel and patients.
Trouble began for the suspect when a doctor noticed his smartphone missing from a desk. A quick alert was raised, and security personnel along with other staff members launched a search. The suspect was spotted trying to exit the ward hurriedly and was intercepted. Upon searching him, the stolen smartphone was recovered. However, much to the shock of those present, the suspect was also found in possession of several ATM cards and other personal effects that did not belong to him.
Further checks revealed that the ATM cards belonged to different doctors working at UCH, some of whom had reported missing items weeks ago. “We have been having mysterious disappearances of small valuables – phones, wallets, and even ID cards – for some time. Now we know how,” one staff member, who pleaded anonymity, told reporters.
The suspect was thoroughly searched, and the incriminating items were documented before he was handed over to the police for further investigation. Authorities at the Oyo State Police Command have confirmed that the suspect is in custody and that an investigation has been launched to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate targeting the hospital.
Hospital management has commended the vigilance of staff and security personnel while urging all workers and patients to remain watchful and secure their belongings at all times. Further updates are expected as police interrogations continue.
