Doctor, Two Accomplices Remanded Over Alleged Child Theft in Anambra

The Anambra State Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Offences Court in Awka has ordered the remand of a 72-year-old medical doctor, Daniel Ikebuilo, and two women, Ifunanya Ogbonna, 23, and Chidiogo Ogbonna, 20, over allegations of child theft and illegal sale. 

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to take a 7-year-old boy from his mother, Kosarachukwu Okpala, at Okpoko in Onitsha on April 30.

“They sold the boy to the doctor for N700,000, and the doctor later re-sold the child for N2.3 million,” Okechukwu said.

She informed the court that the offences violated Sections 495(a) and 321 of the Criminal Code Law of Anambra State (1991, as amended), as well as Section 31(1)(4) of the state’s Child Rights Law of 2004 and Section 15(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Protection Law of 2017.

The prosecutor further noted that Ifunanya Ogbonna and Dr. Ikebuilo had previously been arraigned on March 5 for a similar offence.

“Immediately after they perfected their bail application following the March arraignment, they stole another child in April,” Okechukwu told the court.

The three defendants pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, child stealing, and unlawful sale of a minor.

Presiding Chief Magistrate U.E. Onochie directed that the accused persons be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre.

The court adjourned the matter to August 13 for a ruling on their bail application.

The case will proceed with the court's ruling on the bail application, and the defendants will remain in custody until then. The allegations, if proven, carry serious legal consequences.