The Anambra State Government has arrested a 47-year-old Abia State indigene, Mrs. Onyinyechi Esther Charles, for allegedly operating an illegal maternity home and performing surgical procedures without any medical or surgical qualifications.

Mrs. Charles, who is married to a man from Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, reportedly ran a traditional birth attendant (TBA) facility in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area. She is accused of carrying out caesarean sections, normal vaginal deliveries, and other surgical procedures despite lacking the necessary professional certification and authorisation.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to performing the unauthorised medical procedures. She reportedly disclosed that she was previously known as Eze Nwanyi before becoming a church minister and later positioning herself as a surgeon.

Confirming the arrest, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said surgical instruments and other medical equipment suspected to have been used in the illegal operations were recovered during a search of the facility. Hospital beds where patients were reportedly treated were also discovered on the premises.

Officials further found what appeared to be a shrine and an altar inside the facility.

The illegal maternity home has been confiscated pending the outcome of legal proceedings, while Mrs. Charles is expected to be arraigned in a competent court.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally received the presidential nomination forms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 general elections, confirming Shettima’s retention as the party’s vice presidential candidate.

The National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, received the nomination forms on Friday during a formal ceremony held at the Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The forms were presented on behalf of President Tinubu by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Masari.

The high-profile event was attended by several key party figures and state governors, including:
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma

Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni

Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris

Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf

Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani

Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum

Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri

Senior party leaders and stakeholders were also present at the ceremony.

The pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In a shared post on his verified X handle, Onanuga simply announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.

“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors,” he wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding their release, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances leading to their freedom, had yet to be disclosed.