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NSCDC Busts Baby Factory in Imo, Rescues Five Pregnant Women and Five Newborns

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command has uncovered an illegal baby factory operating under the cover of a registered orphanage in the World Bank area of Owerri, Owerri West Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of five pregnant women and five newborn babies.

The Imo NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Basil Igwebueze, disclosed the development to journalists in Owerri on Saturday, March 14, 2026, revealing that the operation was triggered by a chance observation by one of his officers, who spotted a pregnant teenager fleeing from the orphanage premises.

“This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies,” Igwebueze said.

The arrested suspects were identified as Tochukwu Ogaranya, 52, the owner of the orphanage, and her alleged accomplice, Godwin Nnamdi, 47. The five pregnant women rescued were aged between 25 and 33.

One of the victims, Chiamaka, a native of Ikeduru Local Government Area, told investigators that she had been introduced to the facility by an acquaintance she could barely identify, with the understanding that she would deliver her baby there and hand it over for sale. She said she eventually scaled the orphanage fence and fled when she could no longer endure conditions at the facility. She was subsequently intercepted by local vigilantes.

Ogaranya, however, denied any wrongdoing, insisting that her orphanage was certified and not involved in child trafficking. She claimed that Chiamaka had arrived at the facility pregnant, saying she was fleeing a man in Abia State who had impregnated her. Ogaranya added that she had contacted the police about the matter and was shocked when she learned that Chiamaka had escaped by scaling the fence.

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Commandant Igwebueze condemned child trafficking as a heinous crime and commended residents for providing intelligence that made the operation possible. He urged Imo residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies.

“If the residents of the state had not assisted us with the necessary information, the command would not have uncovered such a criminal act,” he said.

Both suspects are to be arraigned and prosecuted, the commandant confirmed.

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PHOTOS: Cross River police arrest alleged fake doctor for operating illegal mobile clinic

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The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, “m”aged 39, over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence, and the unlawful use of medical equipment.

The suspect was arrested by Police officers attached to Uwanse Division ,Calabar South following a complaint lodged by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, 45, who alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and fraudulently obtained the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) from her under the false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the complainant into parting with the money. Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the case were recovered during the investigation, and the suspect is currently in police custody.

Confirming his arrest to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, ASP Eitokpah Akata, said state Commissioner of Police, has directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether there are other victims. Akata added that upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court if sufficient evidence is established.

He mentioned that the command is actively conducting a discreet investigation into the matter to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices. Members of the public are assured that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

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See also  PHOTOS: Salesgirl allegedly steals phones, items worth N29m from employer's shop, rents and furnishes apartment for her boyfriend in Minna
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PHOTOS: NSCDC uncovers alleged fake university, rescues 106 youths in Badagry

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, of Lagos State, and rescued 106 youths allegedly lured into the scheme. AkwaIbom News

The Corps also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, which reportedly recruited young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance, exposed what security officials described as an alleged fraudulent academic and recruitment scheme.

The youths, mostly aged between 19 and 24, were taken into protective custody by the NSCDC for profiling and further investigation.

Confirming their arrest to newsmen, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on activities at the apartment.

“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody.”

Preliminary investigations indicated that unsuspecting young people were allegedly persuaded to pay admission and processing fees after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.

The victims reportedly paid between N200,000 and N1.5 million, while some foreign nationals and other participants allegedly paid between $400 and $500.

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However, the alleged admission scheme reportedly came with a recruitment condition, with participants encouraged to bring in more people in return for commissions.

The arrangement allegedly operated like a chain marketing or Ponzi scheme, with participants promised increasing financial rewards based on the number of new students they recruited.

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PHOTOS: 10-year-old boy abused by guardians discharged from hospital in Anambra

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The 10-year-old Chiziterem Ozuluigbo, whose case sparked nationwide outrage over child abuse has been discharged from the hospital after making a full recovery.

The minor was discharged from hospital on Saturday 18th July and arrived his hometown, Umuofiagu-Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State on Sunday.

Chiziterem’s case attracted national attention in June after a viral video showed him with severe burns and other injuries allegedly inflicted by his guardians in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident triggered widespread condemnation across Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and improved safeguards for vulnerable children. Demographics

Following the incident, the Anambra State Government facilitated his admission to a medical facility for specialised treatment and pledged to oversee his recovery while supporting his family.

Medical caregivers confirmed that, in addition to treatment for his burns and other physical injuries, Chiziterem underwent psychological therapy to aid his recovery from the trauma associated with the alleged abuse.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command arraigned the child’s former guardians, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, over the alleged abuse.

The suspects have been remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.

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