The Anambra State Government has intensified campaign against quackery in the health sector, resulting in the arrest of 47-year-old woman, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, following allegations of carrying out surgical procedures without required medical and surgical qualifications.
Mrs. Charles, an indigene of Abia State married to a man from Nteje, was allegedly operating a traditional birth attendant facility in Umueri, Anambra East LGA, where she is accused of performing caesarean sections, conducting normal vaginal deliveries and carrying out other surgical procedures without legal authorisation.
The facility has also been linked to reported cases of medical complications and fatalities.
According to the Anambra State Ministry of Health, the arrest followed investigations ordered by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to end illegal medical practices and safeguard the lives of residents.
According to the ministry, during interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to performing caesarean sections, conducting normal deliveries and carrying out other surgical procedures without required qualifications or authorisation.
It further disclosed that she was previously known as Eze Nwanyi before later becoming a church minister, then, presenting herself as a surgeon.
During an inspection of the facility on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, accompanied by the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, and security personnel, reportedly 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 within the premises, while officials said they discovered what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the facility.
The state government informed that the premises have been confiscated pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while the suspect is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Obidike described the discovery as disturbing and a serious threat to public health.
He said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo would not allow unqualified individuals to endanger the lives of residents under the guise of providing healthcare.
The Commissioner warned members of the public against seeking medical care from unlicensed facilities or unqualified persons.
He urged expectant mothers and other patients to patronise only government approved hospitals and duly registered healthcare providers, assuring that the Ministry of Health would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the state to identify and prosecute illegal medical practitioners.
Dr. Obidike reiterated the state government’s commitment to sanitising the health sector and ensuring that only licensed and qualified healthcare professionals provide medical and surgical services in Anambra State.
He warned that anyone found violating the law would face the full weight of legal sanctions.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Ministry of Health and security agencies for uncovering the alleged illegal medical operation
He assured residents that the local government would continue to support efforts aimed at eliminating quackery and other unlawful practices that endanger lives.
The Mayor further urged members of the public to promptly report suspected illegal health facilities, as well as patronise only accredited hospitals and qualified healthcare professionals.
The case is expected to proceed before the court, where the allegations against the suspect will be determined in accordance with the law.
