By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Ministry of Health has arrested a 47-year-old woman, Mrs Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly operating Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) facility at her location in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area Local Government Area of the state, as a surgeon.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, while confirming her arrest, said that Mrs Charles was arrested after investigation revealed she was performing caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries as well as carrying out other surgical procedures for many years without having relevant qualifications and licence.

According to him, Mrs Charles would be charged to court for prosecution.

He stressed that the state was determined to arrest and eliminate all illegal medical practices in order to protect the lives of residents.

Report from the ministry indicated that the suspect was arrested during an inspection of her facility on Sunday, July 12, 2026

The arrest was effected by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, in the company of the Council Chairman, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel.

The commissioner said that recoveries made during the sealing of the facility invlude some medical and surgical instruments.

He added: "Stop seeking medical care from unlicensed facilities or unqualified persons so as not to endanger your lives."

On his part, the Council Chairman, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, urged residents to always report suspected illegal health facilities for immediate actions and also desist from patronising such facilities.

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