Woman arrested over illegal maternity home in Anambra

The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity home and carrying out surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications.

The suspect, an Abia State indigene married to a native of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, allegedly ran a traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where she reportedly performed caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures despite not being a licensed medical practitioner.

According to the state government, Mrs Charles admitted during interrogation that she had been conducting the procedures without professional certification or legal authorisation. She also disclosed that she was formerly known as Eze Nwanyi before becoming a church minister and later taking up surgical practices.

Confirming the arrest, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said officials recovered surgical instruments, medical equipment and hospital beds allegedly used for treating patients at the facility.

He added that a shrine and an altar were also discovered during the inspection.

Obidike said the facility has been sealed pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect will be arraigned before a competent court to answer to the allegations.