By Akanimo Kufre (Akwa Ibom/Cross River Correspondent for The New Diplomat)
Members of a syndicate that defraud victims using concoction to induce fake pregnancy were among suspected criminals numbering 100 paraded by the police in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.
The suspects, one Dr Saturday Aaron of Sapodic Clinic, Ukanafun and Comfort Edet Effiong, a traditional birth attendant at a baby factory in Ifa Atai, Uyo were alleged to have collected N800,000 to help their victim Stella Francis Edet conceive and deliver a baby.
While police were parading the suspects, The New Diplomat gathered that Aaron in 2018 injected Stella with a concoction to induce pregnancy.
The injection made the victim’s womb to swell as though pregnant and he was due to deliver the induced baby on a pre-determined date: 9/3/2020 scheduled by the members of the syndicate.
At the designated delivery home, the accomplice, Comfort gave Stella injection on her laps to prevent pains then made a razor cut on her pelvis and thereafter brought a baby claiming Stella had put to birth.
Before taking the fake delivery, Stella said her face had already been covered with a wrapper but she raised alarm that the child can’t be her baby.
“I had a baby girl that is about 9 years old now but we had challenge of miscarriage that was persistent for years so I had to consult anyone who could help.
“In 2018, I meet this man who claimed to be a doctor and expert in helping people with fertility problems. My husband sold properties to raised the N800,000. After the injection my womb swell and I will experience movement like a baby. The movement usually caused severe pains.
“So on the said delivery day things were done awfully so when they brought the baby they claimed I had delivered. I raised alarm that the baby looked older in age, smelly and the umbilical cord was not there, I had put to birth before so had strong reasons to doubt. My argument and rejection of the baby turned into a fight and then a called to the police,” she said.
Stella who appears physically heavy explained that
the fake pregnancy and baby factory gang were arrested by operatives of Family Unit, Anti Child Theft – a new unit created by CP Imohimi Edgal.
Meanwhile, suspects paraded at Ikot Akpan Abia include Lucky Michael, a murder suspect arrested for beheading 82 year old woman in Abak; A wanted kidnapper and armed robbery kingpin Abraham Kofi a.k.a General, a member of Vikings cult group was arrested. Also arrested were Joshua Archibong and a gang who unleashed violent attacks on traders in Uruan. Others included cultists who killed a victim at Ikot Oku Ikono junction plus other criminal suspects including rapist, car robbers, abduction suspects and drug barons.
Between November 2019 and February 2020 the command under CP Edgal said it recorded 25% crime reduction rate compared with the same period as at January 2019.
