An Enugu-based native doctor, Chigozie Emmanuel, has been arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) for selling babies.
The herbalist, also known as Akuchi, was accused of deceiving women into thinking they are pregnant and handing them other peoples babies after collecting a lot of money.
In a statement isuued by one Nneka Aniagoh on behalf of the Head, Press and Public Relations of NAPTIP, Emmanuel is the owner of Akuchi Herbal Concept, located at New Nyanya, Abuja.
NAPTIP said the man was arrested after weeks of diligent surveillance by officers of the agency and those of the Department of State Service (DSS).
She said: “His arrest was based on a previous arrest by the police, of a woman whom they saw with a baby in Abuja enroute 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.
“She thereafter appeared pregnant and was cautioned against going to the hospital for any medical treatment or ante-natal care. When it was time for her ‘delivery’, Mr. Emmanuel directed her to Port-Harcourt where a baby was handed over to her. She confessed to paying Mr. Emmanuel the sum of N650,000 for his services.
“Mr. Emmanuel who was arrested at the weekend is helping with further investigations on sale of human beings and child trafficking.”
Reacting to the arrest, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, commended the officers for their painstaking surveillance which culminated in the arrest.
Shewarned the public, especially women, to stop patronizing such “herbalists,” as the sale of babies is a crime punishable under law.
