Court Remands Mamprobi Child Thief as Prosecution Alleges Syndicate Plot

A shocking case of alleged child theft at Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra has gripped the nation, with a 33-year-old woman remanded in custody as investigations continue. The prosecution claims the incident may be part of a larger syndicate operation, raising serious concerns about hospital security and child safety in Ghana.

Key Points

Background of the Case

Latifa Salifu, a mother of two, appeared before the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit Court in Accra, charged with one count of child stealing. The court, presided over by Justice K.K. Obiri Yeboah, did not take her plea as investigations remain ongoing.

The alleged incident occurred at Mamprobi Polyclinic, a healthcare facility in Accra, where security protocols are now under scrutiny following this brazen attempt at child abduction.

Analysis of the Prosecution’s Case

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, presented a detailed account of the events that unfolded on February 14-17, 2026. According to the prosecution, the infant’s mother had delivered via caesarean section and was recovering in the hospital ward when the incident occurred.

On February 17, a woman wearing a peach-colored scrub uniform posed as a nurse and approached the mother’s bedside. She examined both the mother and the infant before leaving the ward. Approximately four hours later, the same woman returned, this time claiming she needed to administer medication to the baby.

The prosecution’s timeline indicates that within ten minutes of the accused taking the infant, hospital staff noticed the child was missing and initiated a search of the premises. When the search proved unsuccessful, the authorities were notified, and a formal complaint was lodged with the Mamprobi Police.

Investigation and Recovery

The breakthrough in the case came when a whistleblower contacted the Dansoman Police on February 18, 2026, reporting that the accused had been seen with the infant at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. With the assistance of the Dansoman Police patrol team, Latifa Salifu was apprehended, and the infant was safely recovered.

During police questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to the crime, stating that she had taken the baby under the pretense of administering medicine before fleeing the hospital with the infant.

Court Proceedings and Bail Arguments

The prosecution strongly opposed bail for the accused, arguing that the alleged crime appeared to be part of a larger syndicate operation. Chief Inspector Aniagyei emphasized that the sophistication of the crime suggested professional involvement rather than an isolated incident.

“The fact that the accused, who has children of her own, would still go to the hospital to steal a baby raises serious concerns about the nature of this operation,” the prosecutor stated. “We need the accused remanded to assist with investigations into potential syndicate involvement.”

In contrast, the defense counsel, Hamisu Muhammad, argued for bail, maintaining that his client was not a flight risk and had no prior criminal record. He assured the court that Latifa Salifu would not interfere with police investigations or witnesses, citing her lack of resources to do so.

The defense also presented male sureties willing to stand in for the accused if bail were granted. However, the court sided with the prosecution’s concerns and remanded Latifa Salifu in custody, scheduling the next hearing for March 4, 2026.

Security Implications and Public Concern

This case has raised significant questions about hospital security protocols in Ghana. The ease with which the accused was able to pose as medical staff and gain unrestricted access to a vulnerable infant and mother has alarmed healthcare professionals and the public alike.

Hospital administrators across the country are now reviewing their security measures, particularly in maternity wards and neonatal units. The incident highlights the need for stricter identification protocols, enhanced surveillance systems, and improved staff training to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Practical Advice for Parents and Guardians

In light of this incident, healthcare experts recommend the following precautions for parents and guardians:

1. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be medical staff before allowing them access to your child or personal information
2. Never leave infants unattended, even for brief periods, in hospital settings
3. Familiarize yourself with hospital security protocols and emergency procedures
4. Report any suspicious activity or individuals to hospital security immediately
5. Keep a close watch on your child’s whereabouts at all times during hospital stays

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mamprobi child theft case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist within healthcare systems and the need for constant vigilance to protect the most vulnerable members of society. As investigations continue, the case has sparked important conversations about hospital security, child protection, and the potential for organized crime in such sensitive areas.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how hospitals across Ghana approach security and how law enforcement tackles the disturbing trend of child theft. As the March court date approaches, all eyes will be on the proceedings to see what further revelations may come to light about this alleged syndicate operation.