UNESCO first reported on cases of ‘baby harvesting’ in Nigeria in 2006. “Here,
childless marriages are sometimes seen as shameful, or even troubled by
witchcraft,” says Anas. “At the same time, single mothers are frowned upon and
abortion is illegal. Legal adoption takes a long time, so some couples try a short
cut. And some unscrupulous people match the unwanted babies with childless
couples for money, against the law
Anas and Nwaebuni pose as a couple who have been unable to have a child in 12
years of marriage, and who are now being pressured to divorce by his parents.
Equipped with a secret camera, they visit private clinics and orphanages to find
out how easy it is to buy a child illegally, with no questions asked.
They are offered a baby at Destiny’s Child orphanage in Ulakwo by Ada Ezeoyi, for
$4 000 for a girl or $5000 for a male child.
They are also offered a baby by Basic Clinic and Maternity Home in Imo State,
owned by Doctor Ohaeri. They are asked for a similar figure.
They also expose unethical medical practise by Akinbode Damilola, a so-called
miracle doctor who operates from a pharmacy in Delta State offering bogus
fertility treatments.
“We were not able to care for a stranger’s child ourselves, so we backed out of
the deal,” says Anas. “Our investigation has shone a light on parts of a sinister
network. It involves genuine doctors and cynical staff in orphanages, who will sell
vulnerable children to the highest payer. We have passed our evidence on to the
authorities so that justice can prevail.”
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