In a decisive move to protect patients and restore integrity within its premises, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi has successfully arrested a fraudster and recovered ₦27,000 illegally taken from a patient’s relatives. The development highlights the hospital’s commitment to curbing exploitation and reinforcing trust in healthcare services.
Crime in the Hospital: Impostor Takes Advantage of Vulnerable Visitors
The incident unfolded during a night surveillance operation by the hospital’s SERVICOM Unit, which is charged with promoting service excellence and accountability within the facility. During routine patrols, operatives identified and apprehended a man posing as an official — a deception aimed at extorting money from unsuspecting patients or their relatives.
According to the hospital’s official statement, the suspect had collected money from the family of a patient receiving treatment. The extortion included unofficial charges purportedly for a hospital smart card and drugs — payments the impostor claimed were necessary for service access.
False Claims, Quick Detection
Upon investigation by hospital authorities, it was discovered that the impostor’s claims were fabricated:
- Smart cards at ATBUTH are issued free of charge, debunking the impostor’s demand for payment.
- The actual cost of the prescribed drugs was found to be significantly lower than what was charged.
As a result, ₦27,000 — the amount unlawfully extorted — was recovered from the suspect and handed over to law enforcement for further action.
Hospital Management Reacts
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Yusuf Jibrin Bara, lauded the SERVICOM team for their vigilance and professionalism. In a statement, he reiterated ATBUTH’s zero-tolerance stance on extortion, impersonation, and any form of fraud within its walls.
Prof. Bara urged patients, relatives, and visitors to be alert and report any suspicious activity or unofficial payment demands directly to SERVICOM desks or other hospital authorities. He emphasised that the management is strengthening surveillance and security measures to ensure patient safety and transparent service delivery.
A Broader Warning to Fraudsters
Beyond this single arrest, ATBUTH management also highlighted ongoing concerns about individuals misusing the hospital’s name to perpetrate scams, including fake employment schemes and other exploitative practices. These fraudulent activities have previously prompted the hospital to remind the public that no staff member is authorised to collect money or gifts for employment placement or administrative favours.
The successful operation serves as both a victory for patient protection and a reminder that healthcare institutions must remain vigilant against opportunistic criminal schemes — especially those targeting the vulnerable during moments of medical crisis.
Protecting Patients and Upholding Trust
For patients and visitors, the incident underlines an important truth: always verify any payment request through official channels before complying. ATBUTH’s proactive action not only returned funds to an aggrieved family but also sent a clear message that extortion and deception will not be tolerated within healthcare environments.
By reinforcing accountability and strengthening internal controls, ATBUTH continues to build public confidence and set a positive standard for patient care and institutional integrity in Nigeria’s health sector.
