UNTH Accused of Handing Over Three Children to Unknown Parties After Mother’s Death in Enugu

A troubling allegation has surfaced against the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, where the hospital is accused of giving three children to unknown parties following the death of their mother.

According to Mrs. Chinyere Jennifer James, who brought the matter to public attention, the mother underwent surgery at UNTH and passed away, leaving three children behind. One of the children was reportedly given to a pastor, while the remaining two were left at the hospital due to a lack of family contact.

James said she received a distress call about the children and rushed to the hospital to intervene. She recounted that a doctor informed her the mother had been alone with her children and had no immediate relatives to contact. When asked why the hospital did not involve human rights organizations or the Ministry of Gender, James said the doctor demanded N20,000 to return the children, a request she described as evidence of potential child trafficking.

“I was so angry that I had to ask the doctor if this is how you people have been selling children in the hospital,” James said, questioning why the children were handed over to unknown individuals rather than safeguarded by authorities. The current whereabouts of the children remain unknown, and their mother is still in the mortuary. James is appealing for help to locate the family and ensure the children’s safety.

This incident follows a similar case in September involving Mrs. Charity Unachukwu, who died at UNTH after a car accident. Her family accused the hospital of negligence, citing delays and poor medical response. UNTH management later announced an investigation into the allegations and expressed condolences to the Unachukwu family.

According to Sahara Reporters, efforts to reach UNTH’s Public Relations Officer, Uchelue Boniface, regarding the recent allegations were unsuccessful as calls were not answered at the time of reporting.

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