The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where she reportedly performed caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications.
Mrs. Charles, an indigene of Abia State married to a man from Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, allegedly ran the facility as a traditional birth attendant despite not being a licensed medical practitioner.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted performing caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the necessary qualifications or authorisation. She also disclosed that she was formerly known as Eze Nwanyi before becoming a church minister and later presenting herself as a surgeon.
Confirming the arrest, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said officials recovered surgical instruments, hospital beds and other medical equipment believed to have been used in the unauthorised procedures. A shrine and an altar were also discovered within the premises during the operation.
The facility has been sealed by the state government pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a competent court.