In June 2025, a newborn was reported missing just four days after birth via cesarean section at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH-Cottage). The Sierra Leone government and police launched a joint operation, ultimately confirming that the baby was found at Segbwema Government Hospital in Kailahun District. However, recent reports indicate that two families are now claiming to be the rightful parents of the child.

Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, disclosed in a Facebook post that a nurse named Magdalene rescued the baby. Nevertheless, both Ahmed and Katimu Vambio and another unidentified family are claiming the baby.

Ahmed Vambio narrated that on Monday, June 2, 2025, his wife, Katimu, went into labor.They first sought help at a private hospital, but were later referred to PCMH (Cottage).

“We were asked to pay for a scan, which we did as we paid for three scans at 80 Leones each and a surgical operation that they said was 2,500. I pleaded with them because I had only Le 1,000, but I eventually paid Le 1,500 and promised to bring the balance later,” Ahmed said.

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According to Ahmed, after the cesarean operation, they were told that their baby was struggling to breath and was placed in the special care baby unit (SCBU) were the couple were asked to pay le150 for daily care.

Ahmed said that on June 6, four days after delivery, he visited his wife and could not find the baby. “I searched everywhere and asked my wife if the baby had been brought to her, but she said no. I raised an alarm and called my family. The next day, I was even arrested because we were raising our voices as the search continued,” he added.

“My sister confirmed that the baby was ours,” Ahmed said, after they were contacted to confirm if the baby was theirs as his sister was one the spending more time with the wife in the hospital. However, to the greater surprised of Ahmeh and his family was that, they were informed that another family is claim to be the parents of the said baby and they are requesting for a DNA test.

Ahmed and his wife Katimu did not have a problem doing an authentic DNA test but would they be the one to pay for the DNA test. Ahmed claimed that his wife has been traumatized since the incident unfolded, as she is yet to touch or hold her baby.

Minister Isata Mahoi confirmed that no family was asked to pay for the DNA test and the baby is presently in an orphanage. “Two families are claiming the child, and we are sourcing funds for a DNA test. World Hope International has promised to support the process,” said the minister.

Daniel Albert Gbow, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in his word said, “The ministry cannot confirm which woman is the biological mother until the DNA result is out. That is why we opted for interim care,” and reaffirmed that the case was reported to the ministry by PCMH and the Family Support Unit (FSU)

Gbow disclosed that while both families initially expressed interest, it is the Vambio family that has been consistently following up on the child’s welfare. “The other family has not been actively checking on the baby. The man involved even alleged that the mother is a drug addict,” Gbow continues.

He assured the safety of the baby is 100% guarantee. “We are not seizing anyone’s child. We are following due process to ensure the right family is reunited with the baby,” he stressed.

The ministry of gender and children’s affairs vows to expedite the once the funding is prepare with the police investigation in process. The baby is currently under the watchdog of the government and the public await the outcome of the matter.

Source: Truth Media whatsapp channel