By Akanimo Kufre
The Police in Akwa Ibom State has arrested 17 suspected child traffickers including, a Medical Lab scientist and a doctor with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH.
According to the Police statement, Dr. Victor Onongha, of No. 3 Goldie Lane, Calabar who identified himself as a staff of UCTH was arrested for involvement in the sale of a 5-month-old baby at N250,000 to the Lab scientist, Hope Jonah Offor who in turn sold the baby to Mrs. Patience Livingstone at the cost of N660,000.
Both health workers confessed to the crimes as they will be arraigned in court at the end of the police investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State command CSP Nudam Fredrick in a press release also confirm the arrest of two other baby sale syndicate by men of the Anti Child Theft Unit created by CP Imohimi Edgal. This includes one suspect, Pastor Ndukeabasi Isaac, a church overseer, accused of selling a baby born to Obedience Kokoette Philip on 10th November 2019 at N300,000.
Another arrest involved a River State-based syndicate known as Dr. Oliver in Oyigbo. Dr. Oliver was said to work with Ukeme Henry who lured pregnant Emem Uwem Okon to a syndicate agent only known as David who was paid N400,000 for the successful delivery of Emem’s baby to Imaobong Innocent.
Like the said UCTH staff, many medical doctors have reportedly been involved in an illegal baby-boom business. Our correspondent, however, attempts to find out if such doctors are true professionals indeed.
In this case, it was discovered that the said Dr. Victor Onongha is not known to the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA in Cross River State.
” I have checked the list of our members in UCTH, there is no name like that (Dr. Victor Onongha), I am not sure they got the information correct.” NMA chairman, Dr. Agam Ayuk confirmed.
Typically, rogue doctors in such criminal acts may lie to the police on their information supply maybe to buy time or plan escape from police net.
Certified doctors are aware of the risk and punitive actions against involvement in baby sale rackets. A real doctor according to our findings risk a year of suspension or revoke of practicing license if found guilty before Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigating Panel court on first hearing, and
Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal which has the status of a high court among medical professionals.
What then is the best option for couples who needs a baby?
Bar. Clifford Thomas of the Foundation for Civil Education, Human Rights, and Development Advancement advised members of the public like Mrs. Livingstone on the baby transaction issue.
” Ignorance of the law is no excuse when you are in doubt consult a lawyer. It is a crime to buy children. We have adoption laws and regulations for the adoption of children who are biologically related. Couples who need children ought to follow that strategy, you shouldn’t be buying children, it is a crime. Don’t meet people to sell children, they might have killed the parents to collect the children which are another offense on its own- murder.
The Ministry of Women Affairs works in conjunction with the ministry of justice to get adoption papers ready for couples. And the couple would be interviewed by the ministry who is in charge of the orphanage to be sure they need the baby for safe keeping.” Bar. Clifford Thomas explained.
