The Anambra State Government has arrested Onyinyechi Charles, a 47-year-old woman, for running an illegal traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Charles, previously known as ‘Eze Nwanyi’ (female traditionalist), had begun presenting herself as a surgeon despite lacking formal medical qualifications.
According to the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, Charles allegedly performed caesarean sections, normal deliveries, and other surgical procedures without authorisation. This was revealed to journalists in Awka on Sunday.
Obidike stated that during a joint inspection of the facility, conducted with the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Mr. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, officials recovered surgical instruments and medical equipment purportedly used for these unauthorised procedures.
Authorities also discovered what appeared to be a shrine and altar inside the facility. The unlicensed centre has reportedly been linked to several medical complications and fatalities.
The arrest followed an investigation by the Ministry of Health as part of the state’s campaign against quackery and illegal medical practice. During interrogation, Charles admitted to carrying out caesarean sections, deliveries, and other surgical procedures without required qualifications.
She was previously known as ‘Eze Nwanyi,’ later became a church minister, and eventually began presenting herself as a surgeon, according to Obidike.
The facility has been confiscated pending legal proceedings, and Charles will be arraigned in court. Dr. Obidike described the case as disturbing and a grave threat to public health, emphasising that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo will not tolerate unqualified individuals jeopardising lives in the name of healthcare.
Obidike urged residents, especially expectant mothers, to seek care exclusively from government-approved hospitals and registered healthcare providers. He added that the Ministry of Health would continue surveillance and enforcement across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
The government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed professionals provide care in Anambra. Violators, he said, would face strict legal consequences.
Mr. Ifeanyi Chinweze, the Local Government Chairman, praised the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the illegal facility.
He assured residents of the council’s continued support in eliminating quackery and urged the public to report suspected illegal health facilities and use only accredited hospitals.
