Man Posing as Fertility Doctor Arrested After Running Illegal Fertility Clinic in Ibadan

Police in Ibadan announced on Monday that a man posing as a fertility doctor has been arrested after operating an illegal fertility clinic for seven years, putting the health and hopes of dozens of couples at risk. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was apprehended by the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force following a joint investigation with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The case has reignited public debate about the regulation of reproductive health services across Nigeria and the wider African continent.

How the illegal fertility clinic fraud unfolded: a timeline of deception

According to the police report, the man first set up a modest clinic in the Oke-Ado area of Ibadan in early 2019, advertising his services on social media platforms and local radio stations. He claimed to be a board‑certified reproductive endocrinologist with ties to a reputed teaching hospital in Lagos. Over the next seven years, he attracted couples struggling with infertility, promising high success rates for in‑vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Victims later recounted that the clinic lacked basic laboratory equipment, sterile environments, and qualified staff. Many were asked to pay large sums of money upfront – often in cash – for procedures that were never performed or were carried out with substandard materials. Some women reported severe infections and hormonal imbalances after receiving unapproved hormone injections, while a few men experienced testicular pain following dubious sperm extraction attempts. The victims eventually realized they had been treated at an illegal fertility clinic.

It was only after a whistle‑blower, a former assistant who grew uneasy about the lack of proper medical oversight, approached the MDCN that the investigation gained momentum. The council conducted an unannounced inspection in June 2026, discovering that the clinic was operating without a valid licence, that the alleged “doctor” had no recognised medical qualifications, and that the premises were not compliant with basic health‑facility standards.

Legal and regulatory response

The Oyo State Police Command, in collaboration with the MDCN and the Federal Ministry of Health, seized the clinic’s equipment, documents, and financial records. The suspect now faces charges of fraud, illegal practice of medicine, and endangering public health under the Nigerian Criminal Code and the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act of 2004. Authorities described the operation as an illegal fertility clinic, and if convicted, he could face up to ten years imprisonment and substantial fines.

Health officials have used the case to call for stricter enforcement of licensing requirements for fertility clinics. Dr Adaeze Okonkwo, a senior consultant at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, said, “The proliferation of unregulated fertility services is a serious threat. We need a national registry of accredited ART centres and routine audits to protect patients.” The Federal Ministry of Health has pledged to review existing guidelines and to launch a public awareness campaign on how to verify the legitimacy of fertility providers.

Impact on patients and families

For many couples, the discovery that they have been treated by an impostor is not just a financial loss but an emotional trauma. One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, shared that she spent ₦1.2 million on a “IVF cycle” that never happened. She now faces the prospect of starting over with a certified clinic, a journey that may be both costly and emotionally draining.

Beyond the immediate health risks, the case highlights a broader issue: the desperation that drives couples to seek any possible solution to infertility. According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects about 15 % of reproductive‑age couples worldwide, and in Nigeria, cultural pressures often intensify the stigma attached to childlessness. This environment creates fertile ground for charlatans promising miracles.

Community leaders in Ibadan have begun organising support groups for affected families, offering counselling and legal advice. These initiatives aim to restore confidence in legitimate medical services and to discourage the allure of quick‑fix schemes.

What the public can do: verifying a fertility clinic

In light of the recent scandal, experts recommend several practical steps for anyone considering fertility treatment:

• Check accreditation: Verify that the clinic is listed on the MDCN’s online register of licensed facilities.
• Ask for credentials: Legitimate doctors will provide copies of their medical degrees, specialist certification, and a valid practising licence.
• Inspect the facility: A reputable clinic will have a clean, well‑maintained environment, visible laboratory equipment, and qualified staff such as embryologists and nurses.
• Beware of upfront cash demands: While deposits are common, excessive cash payments without receipts or contracts are red flags.
• Seek second opinions: Consulting another qualified specialist can confirm the proposed treatment plan.

These measures are not only relevant for Nigerians but also for patients across Africa, where similar fraudulent operations have been reported in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Regional implications and future outlook

The Ibadan case arrives at a time when many African countries are expanding their reproductive health services. South Africa’s Department of Health recently released a framework for regulating private IVF clinics, and Kenya’s Ministry of Health is drafting legislation to curb medical fraud. Nigeria’s response could set a precedent for the region, encouraging cross‑border collaboration among health regulators.

Looking ahead to 2027, stakeholders anticipate the establishment of a West African Fertility Accreditation Board, which would harmonise standards across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Such a body could streamline verification processes, making it easier for patients to identify trustworthy providers regardless of country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I suspect a fertility clinic is illegal? Report the clinic to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria via their hotline or website, and contact the nearest police station. Preserve any receipts, contracts, or communications as evidence.
2. Can I get a refund for money paid to an illegal clinic? Refunds depend on the outcome of legal proceedings. Victims may file civil suits for damages, but recovery can be lengthy. Joining a victims’ support group can provide guidance on legal options.
3. Are there affordable, accredited fertility options in Nigeria? Yes. Public hospitals such as the University College Hospital in Ibadan and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital now offer subsidised IVF programmes. Private clinics with MDCN accreditation also provide tiered pricing based on income.

For more details on the arrest and ongoing investigation, see the original report on Pulse.ng.

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