Anambra Gov't shuts down baby factory, rescues teenage mothers, infants
The Anambra State Government, working with security agencies, has raided and shut down an illegal baby-making facility posing as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
Several teenage girls, some as young as 15, were rescued alongside infants during the operation on Saturday. Many of the victims were reportedly detained against their will and forced into pregnancies, with the babies sold through unauthorised adoption networks.
Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike told journalists that the raid followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
“The so-called hospital was discovered to be operating with a forged licence. It is run by Odili Ossai, a self-acclaimed medical doctor from Delta State. Authorities have confirmed that the syndicate was heavily engaged in human trafficking, unlawful detention and child exploitation,” Dr Obidike said.
He recalled that the Anambra State Government had previously closed the same facility in February 2024, when six pregnant teenagers were freed and the suspect fled. Renewed operations were launched after reports indicated that the illegal activities had resumed.
In a statement, Dr Obidike described the joint action as a major breakthrough in the state’s campaign against child trafficking and human rights violations.
Several members of the trafficking ring were apprehended by operatives of the Health Ministry, the OCHA Brigade and security forces. The victims, many of them traumatised and in need of urgent medical care, have been transferred to state hospitals for treatment and psychological support.
Investigations are ongoing, and charges will be filed against those arrested for running an unlicensed medical facility, trafficking minors and selling newborns illegally.
Dr Obidike issued a public warning to operators of illegal and unlicensed health facilities across the state, instructing them to shut down immediately or face the full weight of the law.
“The Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and the Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team are carrying out thorough inspections of health centres statewide. Any centre found to lack proper licensing will be closed. The government remains dedicated to safeguarding the health, safety and dignity of all residents,” he said.
The commissioner also called on citizens to report any suspicious healthcare activities or centres, stressing that no part of Anambra would provide cover for child traffickers or fraudulent medical operators.