The Anambra State Government has successfully uncovered and shut down a baby factory posing as a legitimate hospital in Umunya, located in the Oyi Local Government Area, in a decisive move against human trafficking and medical fraud.
The illegal operation, known as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, situated at No. 1 School Road, near Tansian University, was exposed following several months of coordinated surveillance and intelligence gathering by the State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade.
The alleged mastermind, Mr Odili Ossai, a self-acclaimed doctor from Delta State, has been arrested in what authorities are calling a major breakthrough in the state’s campaign against medical quackery and human rights abuse.
Officials confirmed that Mr Ossai had evaded regulatory inspections and had been on the run since February of the previous year.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, who led the operation alongside the Acting Director of Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, described the facility as a centre of exploitation.
Underage girls aged between 15 and 21 were allegedly held captive, impregnated, and their newborns sold into illegal adoption networks.
“This is a grave violation of human dignity and medical ethics. We are deeply alarmed by the exploitation these young girls endured,” said Dr Obidike.
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“Some of them were malnourished, mistreated, and misled with false promises of financial reward. One victim admitted to paying ₦1.45 million despite knowing she wasn’t pregnant, yet the impostor convinced her otherwise.”
According to statements from the victims, some were promised ₦1 million to ₦1.5 million in exchange for their babies.
In other instances, desperate women paid as much as ₦4.5 million to the impostor for newborns.
Dr Obidike commended the results of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s ongoing reforms in the health sector—especially the establishment of the State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Unit (SHFAMU) and the Anti-Quackery Taskforce, which conduct unannounced inspections of public and private health facilities statewide.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Governor’s wife, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, whose “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo” campaign has championed public health awareness. She has pledged her full support for both the rehabilitation of the rescued girls and the prosecution of all individuals involved in the criminal operation.
“This operation is a clear warning to all quacks and unlicensed practitioners. The state will not compromise the safety and dignity of its citizens. Surrender now or face the full weight of the law,” Dr Obidike declared.
All rescued girls and infants are currently receiving comprehensive medical care, counselling, and psychosocial support.
The authorities have commenced a full-scale investigation, and suspects will face charges including human trafficking, child exploitation, and unauthorised medical practice.
The public is strongly encouraged to report suspicious medical activity through the following dedicated hotlines:
📞 0805 765 5442
📞 0913 516 9905
📞 0701 319 7263