Cross River Newborn Theft Case: Suspects Identified as CHEWs, Not Nurses – NANNM Issues Clarification
Published: August 16, 2025 | 10:15 AM BST Fellow Nurses Africa
In a crucial update to the troubling incident in Akamkpa, Cross River State, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Cross River State Council, has officially clarified that the two suspects arrested for the alleged theft and sale of a newborn are not registered nurses. Instead, Ndifon Nelly Ekpu, 45, and Obi Mary Baken, 38, have been identified as Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs). This distinction, announced in a formal statement on August 16, 2025, aims to protect the nursing profession’s integrity. Fellow Nurses Africa urges NANNM and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to further verify credentials and ensure accountability in healthcare roles.
The Case Unfolds: A Mother’s Quest for Justice
The story began when 19-year-old Justina Valentine Boniface from Aningeje village delivered a baby boy on August 12, 2025, at the Primary Health Centre in Aningeje. Exhausted after childbirth, she rested, only to be told by the CHEWs that her infant had died and been buried on-site. Doubting the explanation, Boniface alerted authorities, sparking an investigation that led to the arrests.
The CHEWs reportedly confessed to selling the newborn to W/Sgt. Aisha Yakubu, a female soldier now in custody. Police efforts are intensifying to recover the child and locate the final recipient, highlighting vulnerabilities in rural healthcare settings.
NANNM’s Timely Clarification
Signed by State Chairman Comr. Josephine Bassey, FCAI, NANNM’s statement corrects initial reports, emphasizing that CHEWs operate under different professional scopes than nurses. This clarification prevents misinformation from tarnishing the nursing community’s reputation and underscores the need for precise role identification in healthcare.
Fellow Nurses Africa commends NANNM’s proactive response and calls for collaborative action with the NMCN to validate the suspects’ qualifications. Accurate credential checks are vital to maintaining public trust and ethical standards.
Broader Implications for Healthcare
This case reveals critical gaps in patient safety and professional oversight. To address these, Fellow Nurses Africa advocates for:
- Rigorous Verification Processes: Ensuring all healthcare workers’ roles are clearly defined and authenticated.
- Improved Facility Monitoring: Strengthening protocols in primary health centers to safeguard vulnerable patients.
- Community Education: Raising awareness about healthcare roles and patients’ rights to ethical care.
- Support for Victims: Offering legal, emotional, and psychosocial aid to Justina Boniface and her family.
Pursuing Transparency and Justice
As the Cross River State Police Command continues its investigation, Fellow Nurses Africa supports a thorough, transparent process. We align with NANNM’s commitment to justice, urging all stakeholders to prioritize integrity in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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Healthcare professionals and the public are encouraged to engage in discussions on ethical practice. Share your perspectives using #HealthcareIntegrity and #ProtectPatients on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
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