An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has ordered the remand of a 34-year-old woman, Deborah Ayeni, in the correctional centre over the alleged theft of a newborn at a health facility in the state capital.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court on Wednesday that the offence was reported on August 4, 2025, and had generated public concern due to the recurring cases of child theft in the state.
“The defendant is reasonably suspected to have committed the offence, which is punishable under Section 292 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State 2021,” Oriyomi said, while urging the court to grant his application for her remand pending further investigation.
He explained that the duplicate case file had already been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The defendant, represented in court by Stephen Ademuwagun, did not take a plea during the proceedings.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the prosecutor’s application and ordered her remand in the correctional centre. The case was adjourned until September 12 for mention.