Police Arrest Alleged Fake Doctor Over Missing Baby in Edo -

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man, Osaze Okungbowa, for allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and engaging in illegal medical practices, including childbirth procedures and suspected involvement in baby trafficking.

The arrest followed a complaint by a woman, Princess Oke, who reported that her newborn baby went missing shortly after delivery under the suspect’s supervision.

According to police findings, Okungbowa, who admitted he did not attend any tertiary institution, claimed he only had experience as an auxiliary nurse. Despite this, he was reportedly working in a private hospital where both qualified and unqualified personnel were employed.

While speaking during a police parade, the suspect denied being a licensed doctor but acknowledged his involvement in the case.

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He explained that he did not personally conduct the delivery, stating that he had called in another woman to assist. According to him, the baby later developed complications and died while he was transporting the infant to another facility for incubation.

Okungbowa further claimed that the child was buried in an Anglican cemetery following the alleged death, insisting that he had no involvement in selling or trafficking the baby.

However, the baby’s mother, Princess Oke, raised serious doubts about his account. She stated that she heard her baby cry after delivery before losing consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, she found only the placenta and was later told that her baby had died.

Questioning the explanation given, she expressed disbelief, noting that her pregnancy had reached 35 weeks and should not have been considered premature.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Authorities have assured the public that a thorough probe is ongoing to uncover the truth behind the incident and ensure justice is served.

This case has sparked renewed concerns about the proliferation of unlicensed medical practitioners and the risks they pose to public health and safety.