Fellow Nurses Africa News, 15 August, 2025.
Nurses Arrested for Alleged Baby Theft in Cross River: NANNM Cross River State and NMCN Urged to Verify Credentials
In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s healthcare community, two individuals identified as nurses, Ndifon Nelly Ekpu, 45, and Obi Mary Baken, 38, along with a female soldier, W/Sgt. Aisha Yakubu, have been arrested in Akamkpa, Cross River State, for the alleged theft and sale of a newborn baby. Fellow Nurses Africa is calling on the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Cross River State Chapter, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) to urgently verify the professional credentials of the accused nurses to protect the trust and integrity of the nursing profession.
A Mother’s Nightmare Unfolds
The distressing case began when 19-year-old Justina Valentine Boniface from Aningeje village reported the disappearance of her newborn son. On August 12, 2025, Boniface gave birth to a baby boy at the Primary Health Centre in Aningeje, where she had received antenatal care. Exhausted after delivery, she alleges that the two nurses on duty stole her child while she rested, later claiming the baby had died and was buried at the facility.
Suspecting deception, Boniface reported the incident to the authorities. The police investigation led to the arrest of Ekpu and Baken, who reportedly confessed to selling the baby to W/Sgt. Aisha Yakubu, a serving soldier now in custody. Efforts are ongoing to locate the child and identify the final recipient.
A Call for Accountability
This alleged betrayal of trust is a devastating blow to the nursing profession, which is built on compassion and ethical care. Fellow Nurses Africa urges both the NMCN and the NANNM Cross River State Chapter, led by Chairperson Mrs. Josephine Bassey, to take immediate action. Verifying whether Ndifon Nelly Ekpu and Obi Mary Baken are registered nurses is critical to upholding professional standards and ensuring justice.
The NMCN, responsible for regulating nursing and midwifery in Nigeria, must confirm the suspects’ licensing status. Similarly, NANNM, a professional body representing nurses and midwives, should collaborate to ensure transparency. If these individuals are found to be registered, swift disciplinary measures are essential to deter future misconduct and restore public confidence.
Why This Matters
This incident exposes serious gaps in patient safety and professional oversight in healthcare settings. It’s a stark reminder of the need for rigorous checks and ethical training. Fellow Nurses Africa is advocating for:
- Credential Verification: NMCN and NANNM to confirm the suspects’ status as registered nurses.
- Stronger Oversight: Enhanced monitoring of healthcare facilities to prevent unethical practices.
- Community Empowerment: Educating patients on their rights to safe, ethical care.
- Support for Justina: Legal and emotional support for Boniface and her family during this crisis.
A United Front for Justice
The Cross River State Police Command is working tirelessly to recover the stolen child and bring all involved to justice. Fellow Nurses Africa applauds their efforts and calls for a transparent investigation. We also encourage the NANNM Cross River Chapter to engage with stakeholders, as they have in past advocacy efforts, to address this crisis and prevent future incidents.
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