By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into an alleged child trafficking incident following the rescue of a female suspect from an angry mob at a private hospital in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The development followed an incident that occurred at Divine Mercy Hospital, located along Eze-Iweka Road, Awada, Obosi, where the suspect, identified as Anurika Nweme, aged 37, was apprehended by concerned members of the public over allegations of suspicious activities around newborn babies in the hospital’s maternity ward.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Awada Divisional Headquarters swiftly intervened and rescued the suspect from mob action after tensions heightened within the hospital premises.
The Police spokesperson disclosed that preliminary information and eyewitness accounts indicated that the suspect allegedly gained access to the hospital on the afternoon of June 23, 2026, dressed in attire resembling that of a nurse.
SP Ikenga explained that while inside the facility, the woman was reportedly observed making secret video recordings of newborn babies in the maternity ward, a development that immediately aroused suspicion among hospital staff and other persons present.
According to the statement, when she was confronted and questioned about her presence and activities within the hospital, the suspect allegedly claimed to be an employee of the medical facility. However, further verification carried out by the hospital management reportedly revealed that she was not a member of staff.
The discovery, SP Ikenga said, reportedly triggered outrage among people at the hospital, leading to her apprehension by angry youths and other concerned individuals who suspected that her actions could be connected to child trafficking activities.
The Police Command said officers promptly intervened to prevent the situation from degenerating, rescued the woman from the mob and took her into custody for further investigation.
The Police Spokesman noted that the suspect is currently in protective custody and is assisting investigating officers with useful information aimed at unraveling the true circumstances surrounding the incident.
