Anambra Govt Cracks Down on Medical Quackery, Arrests Woman Over Illegal Surgeries

The Anambra State Government has stepped up its campaign against medical quackery with the arrest of a 47-year-old woman accused of performing caesarean sections and other surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications, while authorities have confiscated her maternity facility in Anambra East Local Government Area.
The suspect, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, an indigene of Abia State married to a native of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, allegedly operated a traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility in Umueri, where she reportedly carried out caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries and other surgical procedures without a medical licence or recognised surgical training.
According to the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the facility has also been linked to reported cases of medical complications and deaths.
Her arrest followed investigations ordered by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, as part of the state government’s renewed efforts to eliminate illegal medical practice and protect residents from unsafe healthcare services.
The ministry said the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation to conducting caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the necessary qualifications or authorisation.
Officials also revealed that Mrs. Charles was previously known as “Eze Nwanyi” before becoming a church minister and later presenting herself as a surgeon.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, Dr. Obidike, accompanied by the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment believed to have been used in the alleged unauthorised procedures.
Hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated were also found on the premises, while officials said they discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar within the facility.
The state government has since confiscated the premises pending the conclusion of legal proceedings, while the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a competent court.
Describing the findings as disturbing, Dr. Obidike said the alleged operation posed a serious threat to public health, stressing that the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo would not tolerate unqualified individuals endangering lives under the guise of providing healthcare.
He urged residents, particularly pregnant women and expectant mothers, to seek medical care only from government-approved hospitals and duly licensed healthcare providers.
The commissioner said the Ministry of Health would continue surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify, shut down and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
“The government remains committed to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only qualified and licensed professionals provide medical and surgical services in Anambra State. Anyone found violating the law will face the full weight of legal sanctions,” he said.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for exposing the alleged illegal operation.
He urged residents to report suspected illegal health facilities to the appropriate authorities and to patronise only accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals.
The allegations against the suspect will be determined by the court.