Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly operating an unlicensed traditional birth attendant facility where she reportedly performed caesarean sections and other surgical procedures in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Charles, who hails from Abia State, was arrested by
officials of the state Ministry of Health during an inspection that uncovered
what authorities described as an illegal maternity facility allegedly
conducting normal deliveries, caesarean sections and other unauthorized medical
procedures.
The operation followed investigations ordered by the
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, as part of the state’s ongoing
crackdown on illegal medical practice and quackery.
Speaking during the inspection on Sunday, Obidike said
officials, working with the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area,
Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, recovered surgical instruments and
other medical equipment believed to have been used for the alleged unauthorised
procedures.
The inspection team also found hospital beds where patients
were reportedly treated, as well as what officials described as a shrine and an
altar within the premises.
Describing the discovery as disturbing, Obidike said the
government would not tolerate unqualified individuals endangering lives under
the guise of providing healthcare.
He urged residents, particularly expectant mothers, to seek
treatment only at government-approved hospitals and duly licensed healthcare
facilities.
“The Ministry of Health will sustain its surveillance and
enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal
medical practitioners,” he said.
“The state government remains committed to sanitising the
health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare
professionals provide medical and surgical services.
“What was found at the facility is a serious threat to
public health. The government will not allow unqualified individuals to
endanger the lives of residents under the guise of providing healthcare. Anyone
found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions.”
According to the commissioner, the premises have been sealed
and confiscated pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while the suspect
will be arraigned before a competent court.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Ifeanyi
Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for uncovering
the alleged illegal medical operation.
He assured residents of the council’s continued support for
efforts to eliminate quackery and other unlawful medical practices, urging the
public to report suspected illegal health facilities and patronise only
accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals.
The allegations against the suspect are expected to be
determined by the court.
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