The management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has arrested an elderly man allegedly defrauding patients and their relatives within the hospital premises. The suspect, who is not an employee of the hospital, was caught during a routine surveillance operation conducted by the hospital’s SERVICOM Unit.
ATBUTH spokesperson, Abdullahi Usman Koli, disclosed that the impostor was apprehended during a night patrol after he allegedly collected ₦45,000 from relatives of a patient receiving treatment for a gunshot injury. The suspect reportedly demanded ₦5,000 for a hospital smart card and ₦40,000 for drugs required for the patient’s treatment.
Koli explained that the official cost of the hospital smart card is ₦1,000, while the drugs legitimately required cost ₦18,150. The extra ₦27,000 collected by the suspect was recovered, and he has been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The vigilance of the SERVICOM team is commendable. They detected and arrested the suspect, preventing further exploitation of patients and their families,” Koli said.
ATBUTH’s SERVICOM Unit, responsible for service monitoring and customer protection, discovered the suspect during regular night patrols. According to the hospital management, the elderly man had been extorting unsuspecting patients and relatives under false pretences, exploiting the vulnerability of those seeking medical care.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ATBUTH, Prof. Yusuf Jibrin Bara, reiterated the hospital’s zero-tolerance policy for extortion, impersonation, and other fraudulent activities. He said that the hospital is committed to protecting patients and ensuring that all services are delivered transparently and fairly.
“Patients and their families must be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or demands for unofficial payments to SERVICOM desks or other hospital authorities,” Prof. Bara stated.
Hospital officials highlighted that no individual, whether claiming to be a staff member or otherwise, is authorised to collect money, gifts, or inducements for services, employment, or appointments at ATBUTH.
The arrested suspect reportedly approached relatives of a patient undergoing treatment for a gunshot injury. He demanded an inflated amount of ₦5,000 for a hospital smart card, which is officially priced at ₦1,000. In addition, he asked for ₦40,000 for drugs, while the actual cost of the required medications was ₦18,150.
The hospital’s SERVICOM Unit immediately intervened, recovering the excess ₦27,000 collected by the impostor. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
Officials confirmed that the man had been operating within the hospital for some time, targeting patients and relatives who were unfamiliar with hospital procedures and fees. By pretending to be a hospital staff member, he was able to extort money under false pretences.
ATBUTH management has issued a stern warning to the public to be cautious of individuals impersonating hospital officials. The management highlighted that fraudsters sometimes approach people under the guise of offering employment, facilitating appointments, or providing other services for a fee.
“No individual or staff member is authorised to collect money, gifts, or any form of inducement for employment or appointment in the hospital,” the management said.
The CMD, Prof. Bara, called on patients and their relatives to report any suspicious activities or unofficial demands to the hospital’s SERVICOM Unit or other authorised hospital officials. He emphasized that such vigilance is essential to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable patients.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, is one of Nigeria’s major tertiary healthcare facilities. Located in Bauchi State, it serves thousands of patients annually, providing both routine and specialised medical care. The hospital has a well-established SERVICOM Unit, tasked with monitoring service delivery, protecting patients’ rights, and ensuring transparency in all hospital operations.
The SERVICOM (Service Compact with All Nigerians) initiative is a federal government policy aimed at improving public service delivery, particularly in health, education, and other sectors. At ATBUTH, the unit conducts regular inspections, monitors hospital activities, and addresses complaints from patients and staff.
The arrest of the elderly man demonstrates the effectiveness of the SERVICOM Unit in detecting and preventing fraud, and it serves as a reminder of the need for continuous vigilance in public institutions.
The arrest has drawn attention to the risks faced by patients and relatives in hospitals, particularly in large tertiary centres where procedures may be complex, and outsiders can exploit gaps in knowledge. While the incident involved a single individual, hospital officials warn that similar cases could occur if vigilance is not maintained.
Medical practitioners and patient advocacy groups have commended ATBUTH for its proactive approach. They stressed that hospital management must continue to educate patients on official fees and processes to prevent exploitation by impostors.
One patient’s relative, who preferred anonymity, said, “It is good that the hospital caught the man. Sometimes, when you are worried about a loved one, you don’t think twice about paying what you are asked, even if it is too much.”
The ATBUTH management has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in all its operations. Prof. Bara stated that the hospital will continue to take strict action against anyone attempting to exploit patients or their relatives.
“This incident reinforces our dedication to protecting patients and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery. We will continue to monitor activities closely and take appropriate action against any individual or group involved in fraudulent activities,” he said.
The hospital also encouraged staff to remain alert and report any unusual activity within the premises. By doing so, ATBUTH aims to safeguard its reputation as a trusted healthcare provider and maintain the confidence of patients and the public.