The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Onyinyechi Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where she reportedly carried out Caesarean sections and other surgical procedures without medical qualifications.
The state's Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed the arrest on Sunday in Awka. He said the suspect, who was previously known as an **"Eze Nwanyi"** (female traditionalist), later became a church minister before presenting herself as a surgeon.
According to Obidike, Charles allegedly performed Caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries and other surgical procedures at the unregistered facility without the required training or licence.
He said officials from the Ministry of Health, accompanied by the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, inspected the facility and recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment allegedly used for the procedures.
The inspection also uncovered what officials described as a shrine and an altar within the premises. The commissioner added that the facility had been linked to reported medical complications and deaths.
Obidike said the arrest followed an investigation by the Ministry of Health as part of the state government's campaign against illegal medical practice.
According to him, the suspect admitted during interrogation to carrying out surgical procedures despite lacking the necessary medical and surgical qualifications.
He said the facility had been sealed pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect would be charged in court.
Describing the case as a serious threat to public health, Obidike said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo would continue to clamp down on unqualified individuals posing as healthcare providers.
He urged residents, especially pregnant women, to seek treatment only from government-approved hospitals and registered healthcare professionals.
The commissioner added that the Ministry of Health would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
Also speaking, Anambra East Local Government Chairman, Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for uncovering the alleged operation.
He urged residents to report suspected illegal health facilities and patronise only accredited hospitals.
