Student nurse accused of plotting to abduct baby from Wolverhampton hospital

A student nurse allegedly planned to abduct a premature baby from the neonatal unit at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, the court heard.

Safia Ahmadei, 36, reportedly took a keen interest in a particular newborn, discussing the infant’s racial background with the mother. Prosecutors claim she devised the plot in February while on placement at the hospital, even purchasing baby clothes and a comforter in preparation.

Ahmadei, from Upper Vauxhall, Wolverhampton, denies attempted kidnap.

Prosecutor Seamran Sidhu informed the jury that Ahmadei visited the neonatal unit multiple times. Initially, she appeared to scout for a baby to take, later returning to find a way to remove the baby from the ward. Nurses and the baby’s parents intervened, preventing her from succeeding.

Would have died.
Let’s talk about the ‘Muslim’ student nurse who sat with my premature baby all night to make sure he was still breathing, to make sure he wasn’t too lonely whilst I was unable to be with him

— courtney (@courtsxrobbo) August 4, 2024

Ahmadei was a first-year student at the University of Wolverhampton, on placement at New Cross Hospital. She had no assigned duties in the midwifery department but was seen there several times on 13 February. Witnesses reported her behaving suspiciously and observing babies in the unit.

Wearing her student nurse uniform, Ahmadei displayed a particular interest in one premature baby. She asked the baby’s mother numerous questions, focusing on the child’s racial heritage, feeding, and sleeping arrangements.

Approximately five hours later, Ahmadei returned to the ward and was found next to the baby’s cot. A nurse, not recognising her, questioned her presence. Ahmadei claimed she had been there all day and had the mother’s permission to bring blankets, which the mother later denied.

Ahmadei was asked to leave but returned 15 minutes later, wearing a dressing gown over her uniform. She reiterated her excuse about the blankets. Staff again instructed her to leave, but she returned once more, this time with a man identified as her partner. They were both asked to leave after stating they just wanted to see the baby.

The next day, police recommended her suspension, and the university’s head of undergraduate nursing contacted Ahmadei, instructing her not to attend her placement. Despite these instructions, Ahmadei returned to the hospital two hours later, wearing a red coat over her uniform to avoid detection. Unable to use her ID pass, she attempted to pass through reception.

The baby’s mother recognised Ahmadei and confronted her, leading nurses to intervene and call the police. Officers found baby clothes and a comforter on Ahmadei. Prosecutors argue these items support the claim that she intended to take the baby.

Additional baby items, a passport, and £1,500 in cash were found in her car, suggesting she planned to flee with the baby if necessary. Further baby supplies and clothing were discovered at her home.

Jurors were informed that topics like miscarriage and grief might arise during the trial. The trial continues.