Crime

5 pregnant teenagers and 10 others rescued as Anambra government shuts down baby factory

Published

5 months ago

July 27, 2025

No fewer than 5 pregnant teenagers and 10 others have been rescued as Anambra Stae government shut down a notorious baby factory syndicate operating under the guise of a hospital in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

The illegal facility, known as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, located at 1 School Road near Tansian University, was reportedly sealed on Saturday following a raid that commenced Friday.

The operation followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with security agencies.

Addressing journalists at the facility, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said that during the raid, officials reportedly arrested key staff and operators of the facility, rescued five pregnant teenagers and 10 others.

Obidike said the government discovered that the establishment was being used for “medical malpractices” and illegal adoption activities.

He described the so-called hospital as fraudulent, revealing it was operating with a forged medical license and run by a self-proclaimed doctor from Delta State.

According to Obidike, “This crackdown is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against child trafficking, human rights violations, and gender-based abuse.”

He confirmed that the facility was deeply involved in the trafficking and exploitation of girls aged between 15 and 21, many of whom were allegedly held against their will and forced into pregnancies.

Newborns from these forced pregnancies were sold through illegal adoption rings, according to the health commissioner.

The state government is committed to shutting down all illegal medical establishments and safeguarding public health,” Obidike said.

“This operation underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and health regulators.

“We are determined to rid Anambra State of fake medical practitioners and criminal networks that exploit the vulnerable.”

The Commissioner credited the success of the raid to the efforts of the State Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and the State Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team.

He said the bodies were set up to identify and eliminate unauthorized health facilities across the state.

Obidike called on residents to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious medical activities, adding, “Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, and suspects are expected to face charges including human trafficking, unlawful detention, and child exploitation.”

Issuing a stern warning to unregistered medical outfits, Obidike said, “We are issuing a stern warning to operators of unlicensed and quack facilities in the state.

“Shut down now or face the full weight of the law. We will not compromise the safety and dignity of our people.”

The acting Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, was among senior health officials who participated in the raid.

The rescued teenage girls and infants are currently receiving medical care and psychological support under government supervision.

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Crime

Benin Jails Ex-defence Minister Over Failed Coup Plot

Published

11 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Benin Republic on Saturday placed a former defence minister and prominent opposition politician, Candide Azannai, in pre-trial detention as part of investigations into the failed coup attempt earlier this month.

According to an AFP journalist, Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion following his arrest last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou.

Azannai’s detention comes in the aftermath of the failed December 7 coup, despite the opposition figure publicly condemning the attempted overthrow.

His remand followed several hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court. An AFP reporter said police escorted him away at dawn before taking him into custody.

The detention is the latest development linked to the foiled coup, after about 30 people, mostly soldiers, were jailed on Tuesday on treason charges.

On December 7, soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had toppled President Patrice Talon. However, loyalist forces swiftly crushed the plot with assistance from the Nigerian Air Force.

Several people were reportedly killed during the uprising, while some mutineers, including the alleged coup leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.

While Talon has received praise for driving economic growth, critics accuse his administration of creeping authoritarianism in a country once celebrated for democratic stability.

In recent years, Benin has also faced growing jihadist violence in its northern regions.

President Talon is expected to hand over power in April after completing the constitutionally permitted two terms in office.

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Post Views: 23

Crime

PHOTOS: Suspected yam thief nabbed in Benue market

Published

20 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A man was nabbed after over an alleged attempt to steal yams at the busy Zaki Biam Yam Market in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident which occurred on Thursday, December 18, 2025 disrupted activities and drew a crowd of traders and buyers.

Eyewitnesses said the suspect was caught in the act and restrained by market traders before the situation escalated.

Preliminary accounts identified him as a vehicle conductor from Plateau State.

Traders urged that the matter be handed over to security agencies for proper investigation and warned against mob action.

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Post Views: 29

Crime

PHOTOS: Troops intercept vehicles conveying suspected ISWAP logistics in Yobe

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Troops of Sector 2 of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force intercepted two pickup vans conveying assorted items suspected to be logistics supplies for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

The interception followed credible human intelligence indicating the movement of the items from Dapchi through the Magumeri general area.

According to the security analyst, the troops intercepted the vehicles during the operation and took the drivers into custody for further interrogation.

Items recovered from the two vehicles included 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 key starters, three alternators, two bags of flour, one mattress, five bags of charcoal, 34 tubers of yam, two blankets, nylon bags containing garri, adult and children clothing, one power bank, six mobile phones and a cash sum of N92,600.

The vehicles and recovered items were currently in custody, while investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and possible links to ISWAP logistics networks.

The troops, sources said, remained committed to disrupting the movement of supplies to terrorist groups and maintaining pressure on criminal elements across the area of responsibility.