The acclaimed Chief Medical Director of the illegal maternity was arrested a few weeks ago for allegedly swindling several women who were in dire need of babies, a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations of NAPTIP, Mr Josiah Emerole said.
He noted that the sealing up of the illegal medical outfit, Akuchi Herbal Concept, located on Old road, around Pure Water area, New Nyanya, Abuja, was part of the ongoing investigation into the case which has already generated public concern among Nigerians especially relations of the victims.
It would be recalled that operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), last week arrested a 38-year-old herbalist, Mr Chigozie John Emmanuel, A.K.A ‘Akuchi’, for allegedly deceiving women into thinking they are pregnant and thereafter give other people’s babies to them having collected lots of money.
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Emerole disclosed that investigation has revealed that Mr Emmanuel who is from Enugu State is the owner of Akuchi Herbal Concept, located at New Nyanya, Abuja.
He was arrested after weeks of diligent surveillance by a combined team of Officers of the Agency and those of the Department of State services.
His arrest was based on a previous arrest by the Nigerian Police, of a woman whom they saw with a baby in Abuja en route Minna, Niger State. Based on their suspicion, they detained and questioned the woman on the identity of the baby she carried. She admitted to being a patient of Mr Emmanuel, whom she said administered some herbs to her after years of infertility.
The latest operation was coordinated by the Director, Investigation and Monitoring Department, Mr Greg Esele on the directive of the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah- Donli.
Items recovered from the facility include local herbs which the suspect said he uses to stimulate ovulation for women, some soaked black-coloured leaves and concoction which he uses on his victims and other smelling substances.
According to the statement, some charm and voodoo items were also recovered. It was discovered that contrary to his claim as displayed on the signpost, the Clinic was virtually empty thereby raising the question on how the women were able to believe his claims.
Speaking on the development, the Director – General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah- Donli, said the investigation was ongoing to determine the level of the crime allegedly committed by the suspect.
“Investigation is ongoing to clearly establish a level of the unwholesome activities of the suspect. We are not leaving anything stone unturned in getting to the roots of crime.
“This is also in line with our determination to ensure that Nigerians are not exploited in any way,” the DG said.
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