a beautiful five-storey edifice admired by all.
Bathed in colourful paints and surrounded by high walls, which hid the
ground floor from prying eyes, it was a testimony to the city's
struggle to catch up with others of its stature.
But the edifice came crumbling at the weekend when the state
government sent a bulldozer to bring it down.
The building was allegedly used by a doctor to harbour expectant
teenagers and effect the adoption of babies through illegal means.
The demolition, which lasted for more than two hours, was supervised
by the Commissioner for Physical/Urban Planning, Elder Godwin Nna and
a combined team of security agents.
It was gathered that the suspect, an indigene of Ndiokeke Ndiakunwata
in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, had been arrested
many times by security agents following his illegal adoption business.
A doctor, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that "after
reported cases of the doctor's illegal activities, the Nigeria Medical
Association (NMA) in the state took the matter to the national body
and he was cautioned against using his hospital to run the 'baby
factory.'
"When he persisted, NMA withdrew his licence. It was after this that
he went into running a non-governmental organisation, Women and
Children's Right Initiative, where he continued his illegal
trafficking in human beings."
A police source said the suspect after being declared wanted by
security operatives, went into hiding. He was apprehended last week in
Egbu, near Owerri, by security operatives.
Nna said the government demolished the 'baby factory' in accordance
with the state's law against child trafficking and kidnapping, adding
that a similar exercise was carried out in Afara-Ibeku, Umuahia.
The commissioner said besides being used as a 'baby factory', the
building violated the approved plan.
His license to practice was withdrawn and yet he continued his malicious crime. I just thank God he has been apprehended.
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