Anambra Govt Arrests Former Ezenwaanyi in Anambra Discovers Shrine, Seals Facility

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A former Ezenwaanyị (female traditional spiritual leader) who later became a self-acclaimed church minister, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, has been arrested by the Anambra State Government over allegations of carrying out caesarean sections, child delivery services and other surgical procedures without the required medical qualifications, licence, and authorisation.

The 47-year-old suspect, an indigene of Abia State married to a man from Nteje community in Anambra State, was apprehended with the operatives of the state’s homeland security agency, Operation Udo Ga-Achị, at a facility where she was operating in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, as part of the state government’s ongoing campaign against quackery in the health sector, following investigations initiated by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike.

According to the Ministry of Health, the traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility allegedly run by the suspect had been linked to reported cases of medical complications and fatalities, prompting the state government to commence investigations as part of its ongoing campaign against quackery in the health sector.

The State Health Commissioner, Dr. Obidike, who led an inspection of the facility alongside the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security operatives, said the operation was aimed at protecting residents from the dangers of illegal medical practice.

According to the Ministry, the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation that she had been carrying out caesarean sections, normal deliveries and other surgical procedures without the requisite qualifications.

The government confirmed that investigations also revealed that Mrs. Charles was formerly known as an Ezenwaanyị before later becoming a church minister and presenting herself as a surgeon.

During the inspection of the facility, government officials also reportedly recovered surgical instruments and other medical equipment believed to have been used in the unauthorised surgeries and other procedures.

Hospital beds used for treating patients were also reportedly found within the premises.

The government officials further discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the facility, which further heightened public interest in the investigation.

The State Government also announced that the facility has been consequently sealed and confiscated pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.

It also disclosed that the suspect would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to answer to the allegations against her.

The arrest, according to the Ministry of Health, buttresses the state government’s resolve to rid the health sector of quack practitioners and ensure that residents receive healthcare only from qualified and duly licensed professionals.

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