Ekiti Magistrate Orders Remand of Woman, 34, Over Alleged Theft of Newborn
The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has ordered the remand of one Deborah Ayeni, 34, at the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre over an allegation of stealing a day‑old infant from a health facility within the state capital.
At the hearing on Wednesday, the prosecuting police officer, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, informed the court that the alleged offence, which occurred on 4 August 2025, had generated significant public concern due to the rising incidents of child theft in Ekiti State.
Inspector Oriyomi further submitted that the act contravenes Section 292 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, as applicable within the Ado Ekiti Magisterial District. He prayed the court to remand the defendant, stating that there were reasonable grounds to suspect her involvement.
The prosecutor also disclosed that the duplicate case file had been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. The defendant was represented in the proceedings by counsel, Stephen Ademuwagun.
Upon consideration, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted the prosecution’s application for remand and adjourned the matter to 12 September 2025 for mention.
