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Investigation Uncovers ‘Miracle Babies’ Fertility in Nigeria

An undercover investigation by BBC Africa Eye has exposed a fertility scam in Anambra State, where women desperate to conceive are deceived into believing they are pregnant through fraudulent treatments.

The investigation revealed a network of illegal clinics that exploit societal pressures on women to bear children, charging exorbitant fees for fake “miracle fertility treatments” while engaging in baby trafficking.

One victim, Juliet, who endured societal stigma for 11 years of infertility, explained her desperation, saying, “Every woman wants to be a mother. Society treats women without children as if they’ve committed a crime. I even told my husband to remarry so he could become a father.

“When you are desperate, as a woman, that is the worst situation you can find yourself in; your judgment becomes clouded. So even if they had conviction in their hearts that this thing is not true, they will still go for it because they want to be mothers.” After Juliet’s husband’s initial hesitation, she managed to convince him to begin the process. But as the treatment started, doubts began to creep in. “My stomach did not grow more than me being fat, directly against the instructions of the scammers.

“I was still seeing my period, and I was not seeing vital information. Lab, negative; ultrasound, negative; nothing. I was hoping that by nine months I would be okay, but then they told me that I would carry the baby for at least one year and five months. I did not understand; my brain was not comprehending it.”

What Juliet did not know was that the doctor was a scammer who leveraged “cryptic pregnancy”—a rare medical condition where individuals are unaware of their pregnancies until later stages—to manipulate victims like herself.

One victim, Chioma, claimed to have carried a child for 15 months. Some women reported being sedated and waking up with surgical scars, leading them to believe they had undergone Caesarean sections.

“They told me the baby wasn’t in my womb but near my back, which is why no scan could detect it. I didn’t know what to believe,” said one woman deceived by the scam.

The BBC Africa Eye narrator explained, “Cryptic pregnancy, in medical terms, refers to a rare condition. But here, it’s being used as a scam—a miracle fertility treatment sold for profit.”

“A woman is convinced that if she visits a cryptic nurse or a doctor, she’s going to get an injection, a tablet, or a solution that she will drink, and after she goes home, she sleeps with her husband. She’s going to get pregnant, but that pregnancy is not going to show up in tests. It is not going to show up in scans,” the BBC reporter said.

“Victims are led to believe that scans won’t detect the baby because it isn’t actually in the womb, but rather towards their back. Once they are told they are pregnant, they go for regular checkups where they’re given drugs, which sometimes lead to changes in their bodies. You see somebody with a protruding stomach, swollen legs, and everything. When the time for delivery comes, women are told they can only be induced by the scammers themselves. Your doctor will call you and say, ‘Come and give birth today.’ We’ve heard numerous reports of how women do actually believe they’ve given birth,” the BBC Africa Eye Documentaries narrator continued.

The investigation focused on a woman called Dr. Ruth, who operates a clinic in a dilapidated hotel in Ihiala, Anambra State. For a fee of ₦350,000, she promises women they will conceive, despite no legitimate medical evidence.

Undercover BBC investigators posing as a couple struggling to conceive revealed how Dr. Ruth offers injections and crushed substances, claiming they would lead to pregnancy.

“Dr. Ruth reassures Ebere and Chiagozie that this is a tried and tested method. This initial treatment normally costs just over 200 US dollars. Ebere is told she can choose the sex of her child, but only if she accepts an injection, not knowing what’s in it. Ebere and Chiagozie refuse the offer.

“Dr. Ruth hands her a sachet of a crushed, unlabelled substance instead, and she instructs Ebere and Chiagozie on when they should be having intercourse and how to take the drugs. Ebere and Chiagozie are expected to return in four weeks to see if she might be pregnant.”

During their follow-up, Dr. Ruth told Ebere and Chiagozie that she was pregnant, despite Ebere not taking the drugs, and said she would only deliver after paying ₦1.5 million to ₦1.8 million for a special delivery drug.

“It is Ebere’s follow-up with Dr. Ruth. Ebere has not taken any of the drugs Dr. Ruth gave her—the drugs that reportedly would have ensured she got pregnant. Ebere greets one of Dr. Ruth’s clients. Inside, the woman starts complaining she’s been pregnant for over nine months and has yet to deliver the baby.”

“During our investigation, we’ve heard this many times—women going through cryptic pregnancy treatment, having to wait way beyond a normal gestation period before being ready to give birth. When Ebere steps into the room, Dr. Ruth brings out a device that looks like an ultrasound scanner, places it on Ebere’s stomach, and moments later, a tiny sound is heard.

“It’s heartbreaking to know that for the women who visit Dr. Ruth, this moment of elation—hearing the news that you’re pregnant—is all an illusion. Dr. Ruth explains the next steps.”

For those unable to pay, the “pregnancy” is prolonged indefinitely. Meanwhile, babies are bought and sold to complete the illusion of childbirth.

“Ebere will not deliver until a drug is administered, and getting this drug is not going to be easy. ₦1.5 to ₦1.8 million is required to get the drug. That’s around 1,000 US dollars per child. But what happens after nine months if the money isn’t ready?

“Yes, Ebere would continue to be pregnant, but the fetus would weaken, and it would take time to ensure it’s healthy again. And while this goes on, somewhere, there’s a baby being bought and sold.”

The emotional toll on victims is immense. Another victim, unaware she had been scammed, told the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs, “This pregnancy is miraculous. I carried it myself. No one helped me.”

Even after a DNA test revealed no biological connection between her and the child she received, she was reassured by the scammers: “The doctor said it would take time for the DNA to become positive.”

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Tinubu not presenting 2025 budget Wednesday- NASS

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Atiku is an active player in democracy; Tinubu extols former VP at 78

President Bola Tinubu has recalled the moments shared with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they were united in the mission to build a better future for Nigerians.

While acknowledging their engagement as political opponents in the 2023 presidential election, he said Atiku, who was the PDP presidential candidate in the election, has been an active player in Nigeria’s democratic process since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

Tinubu also recognised Atiku’s commitment to public service and philanthropy and prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to grant him health and happiness in the years ahead.

This was contained in his congratulations message to Atiku on his 78th birthday, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

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Food prices rose in October—NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of beans, eggs, bread, rice, and other food items witnessed significant price increases in October 2024.

The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for October 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 254.23 per cent from N790.01 recorded in October 2023 to N2,798.50 in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of brown beans increased by 2.19 per cent in October from the N2,738.59 recorded in September 2024.”

It said that the average price of medium-sized Agric eggs (12 pieces) increased by 140.21 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N1,112.22 in October 2023 to N2,671.60 in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, the eggs increased by 7.42 per cent from the N2, 487.04 recorded in September 2024.”

The report said that the average price of sliced bread increased by 103.76 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N760.82 in October 2023 to N1,550.24 in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 1.44 per cent from the N1,528.19 recorded in September 2024.”

In addition, the average price of 1kg of local rice rose by 137.32 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N819.42 recorded in October 2023 to N1,944.64 in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 1.56 per cent from N1,194.77 recorded in September 2024.”

Also, the report said that the average price of 1kg of boneless beef increased by 98.73 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N2,948.03 in October 2023 to N5,858.58 in October 2024.

“ On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 3.99 per cent from the N5,633.60 recorded in September 2024.”

On state profile analysis, the report showed that in oc 2024, the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans was recorded in Bauchi at N3,750.00, while the lowest was recorded in Yobe at N1,749.52.

It said that Niger recorded the highest average price of medium size Agric eggs (12 pieces) at N3, 450.00, while the lowest was in Adamawa at N2,050.00.

The NBS said that the highest average price of sliced bread was recorded in Rivers at N1,867.14, while the lowest price was recorded in Yobe at N960.07.

According to the report, Kogi recorded the highest average price of 1kg local rice (sold loose) at N2,693.41, while the lowest was reported in Benue at N1,267. 25.

Analysis by zone showed that the average price of 1kg of brown beans was highest in the South-South at N3,274.39, followed by the North-Central at N2,990.02.

“The lowest price was recorded in the North-East at N2,294.29.”

The North-Central and South-East recorded the highest average price of medium size agric eggs(12 pieces) at N2,915.58 and N2,879.24, respectively, while the lowest price was in the South-West at N2,472.94.

The report said that the South-South recorded the highest average price of sliced bread at N1,829.25, followed by the South-East at N1,665.56, while the North-East recorded the lowest price at N1,360.85.

The NBS said also that the South-East and the South-West recorded the highest average price of 1kg of local rice(sold loose) at N2,146.08 and N2,011.05, respectively.

“The North-West recorded the lowest price of 1kg of local rice (sold loose) at N1,763.62.”

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that in July, the federal government in a bid to address the incessant increase in food prices and ensure food security granted a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.

The suspended duty tariffs and taxes will be on the importation of certain food items across the land and sea borders which include maize, cowpeas, wheat, and husked brown rice.

However, experts have suggested more sustainable measures such as addressing the issue of insecurity, foreign exchange and transportation costs to address the soaring food prices and ensure food security.

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Tinubu not presenting 2025 budget Wednesday- NASS

Mr Bullah Bi-Allah, the Director of Information, Secretary, Research and Information (SR&I), National Assembly, has denied the purported budget presentation by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Bi-Allah said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday following the news making the round that the president was billed to present the budget on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

He said such news credited to him was fake, baseless, and unfounded, urging the public to disregad it.

He said: “The attention of the Secretary, Research and Information (SR&I), National Assembly, Dr Ali Barde Umoru, has been drawn to the purported fake news credited to him.”

He added that the news alleged that “His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, will tomorrow Wednesday present the 2925 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.”

According to him, the news circulating on both social and mainstream media and other outlets is false and should be disregarded.

“The secretary advised that any official inquiry and clarification should follow the official communication channels of the National Assembly.”

He said that NASS was yet to approve the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper, forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly by Tinubu.

He clarified that the MTEF approval would come before the official presentation of the 2025 budget.

He sai: “In view of the above, the SR&I warns peddlers of such information to desist forthwith from using his office to mislead members of the public.”

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Champions League: What Guardiola Told City Players Ahead Clash With Feyenoord

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on his players to demonstrate unwavering commitment following a run of five consecutive defeats across all competitions.

These losses include Premier League matches and the Carabao Cup, marking a challenging period for the reigning English and European champions.

Guardiola made this appeal on Monday during a pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash against Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.City’s recent struggles have seen them lose twice to Tottenham Hotspur, as well as to Brighton, Sporting Lisbon, and Bournemouth.

This poor run of form has raised concerns among fans and pundits, particularly for a team that has been a dominant force in both domestic and European football.

Addressing the media, Guardiola emphasized the importance of patience and perspective during difficult times, particularly for a team that has enjoyed significant success in recent years.

He stressed the need for his players to maintain focus and dedication as they work to regain their form.

“I think we deserve some patience when we lose games,” Guardiola said. “You are defending a legacy, and that is difficult to handle. What I want is commitment from players to still do what we have to do.

”The Spanish tactician reminded everyone of the remarkable achievements the team has accomplished in recent seasons, urging his players to draw strength from their past successes while facing the current challenges.“Look at where we’ve come from.

It’s so difficult to defend the success we have had, that is why I’m so relaxed,” he added.Guardiola, however, made it clear that the team must not become complacent or lose sight of their objectives.

He reiterated his demand for total dedication and effort from every player on the pitch.

“That is why I want the commitment, the commitment, the commitment, and the commitment,” he repeated for emphasis, signaling his determination to steer the team back to winning ways.

As Manchester City prepares to face Feyenoord in the Champions League, Guardiola’s words serve as both a rallying call and a reminder of the high standards the club has set under his leadership. Fans and players alike will be hoping that this message inspires a turnaround in form and a return to the dominance that has defined City’s game in recent years.

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NECO’s Global Presence Grows with Accreditation of Foreign Schools

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has extended its reach by accrediting additional foreign schools to conduct its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

This development was announced in a statement by Mr. Azeez Sani, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at NECO.

The newly accredited schools are located in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea. According to the statement, the decision followed an extensive accreditation process carried out by NECO’s evaluation team.

The NECO Accreditation Team conducted a thorough inspection of the schools to ascertain their readiness and capacity to administer the SSCE and BECE.

Key facilities inspected included classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls, and sports facilities.“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status,” the statement said.

NECO emphasized that the accreditation of these schools reflects its dedication to delivering quality education and assessment beyond Nigeria’s borders.

With this achievement, NECO continues to enhance its reputation as a leading examination body in Africa.

The statement highlighted NECO’s expanding global presence and its commitment to providing students worldwide with access to its high-quality examinations.

“With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, offering opportunities for students worldwide to benefit from its expertise, thus contributing to the advancement of education in Africa and beyond,” the statement added.

In a related development, the statement disclosed that candidates are currently participating in the ongoing NECO SSCE External examination in Diffa, Niger Republic.

The UNHCR School in Diffa has now become NECO’s first SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria, marking a milestone in the council’s international operations.

NECO examinations are now written in several countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Saudi Arabia.

This expansion reflects NECO’s commitment to serving a broader range of students and promoting regional and international educational standards.

NECO’s international accreditation and examination services not only reinforce its position as a reliable educational body but also contribute significantly to the promotion of quality education across Africa and beyond.

With more foreign schools gaining access to its assessments, NECO is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education on the continent.

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Nigerian arrested in India for selling drugs worth N155.07m

A Nigerian, Kouassi Guessan has been arrested in India for selling drugs worth N155.07m

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru Police in India has arrested a Nigerian identified as Kouassi Jules N. Guessan for allegedly selling drugs worth N155.07 million.

The accused was reportedly involved in supplying the drugs known as MDMA crystals to a diverse clientele, including college students and Information Technology (IT) professionals in the city.

The police seized 515 grams of MDMA crystals worth approximately ₹77 lakh (approximately N155,072,729.28 in the Nigerian currency) during the arrest.

Guessan, who arrived in India on a business visa in 2017, has been residing in Bengaluru.

According to a statement, he police are investigating his involvement in the drug trade over the years.

This arrest is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Bengaluru.

The CCB has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.