The SERVICOM Unit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has arrested an impostor accused of d...
The SERVICOM Unit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has arrested an impostor accused of defrauding patients and their relatives within the hospital premises during a night surveillance operation.
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued by the hospital management and signed by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Usman Abdullahi Koli.
According to the statement, the suspect—described as an elderly man who appeared calm and unsuspecting—was apprehended after collecting ₦45,000 from relatives of a patient receiving treatment for a gunshot injury. The impostor allegedly demanded ₦5,000 for a hospital smart card and ₦40,000 for the purchase of drugs.
Investigations by the hospital revealed that ATBUTH smart cards are issued free of charge, while the actual cost of the drugs purchased was ₦18,150. A balance of ₦27,000 was recovered from the suspect, who has since been handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Medical Director of ATBUTH, Prof. Yusuf Jibrin Bara, commended the SERVICOM team for their vigilance and professionalism. He issued a strong warning to impostors and fraudsters, reiterating the hospital management’s zero tolerance for extortion, impersonation and other sharp practices.
Prof. Bara urged patients and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals or demands for unofficial payments to SERVICOM desks or appropriate hospital authorities, assuring that management would continue to strengthen surveillance measures to protect patients and ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, the hospital management has also raised the alarm over reports of fraudsters impersonating ATBUTH officials to collect money from unsuspecting individuals under the pretext of offering employment or facilitating appointments.
The management stressed that no staff member or individual is authorised to collect money, gifts or any form of inducement for employment or appointment into the hospital.
It advised anyone who has paid money or offered inducement to any person, whether a staff member or otherwise, to immediately report to the hospital’s Public Relations and Protocol Unit with relevant details, warning that failure to do so could attract legal consequences.
ATBUTH reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency and the protection of the public from fraud and exploitation.
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