Horror in plain sight: How fake Doctor ran Anambra’s baby trafficking empire

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government, in a joint operation with security agencies, conducted a raid on a notorious baby factory previously shut down in February 2024, uncovering a criminal network involved in human trafficking and exploitation.

The facility, disguised as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity at No. 1 School Road, Tansian University, Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area, was operating illegally under a falsified license.

The raid, executed on Saturday, followed months of meticulous surveillance and intelligence gathering, according to Dr. Afam Obidike, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, leading to the arrest of key members of the syndicate.

The facility’s alleged owner, Odili Ossai, a self-proclaimed doctor from Delta State, remains at large, as he was during the initial closure in February when six pregnant teenagers were rescued.

Authorities confirmed that the syndicate exploited vulnerable young women, including girls aged 15, 19, and 21, who were held against their will and coerced into pregnancies.

The newborns were reportedly sold to illegal adoption networks. During Saturday’s raid, several teenage girls and infants were rescued and are now receiving comprehensive medical care and psychological support.

Dr. Obidike described the operation as a “major breakthrough” in the fight against child trafficking, human rights abuses, and gender-based violence.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating illegal medical facilities and protecting public health.

“Our Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and Anti-Quackery Taskforce are actively working to identify and shut down unauthorized health facilities across Anambra,” he stated.

The commissioner urged residents to report suspicious healthcare practices and warned unlicensed operators to cease activities or face severe legal consequences.

“We will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals or compromise public safety and dignity,” Obidike emphasized.

An investigation is underway, and the arrested suspects are expected to face charges including human trafficking, unlawful detention, and child exploitation.