By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The cryptic pregnancy scam in Nigeria is a harrowing tale of exploitation, preying on the deep-seated societal pressures women face to conceive. The scheme, operating under the guise of "miracle fertility treatments," ensnares women desperate for motherhood, offering false hope while perpetuating cycles of deceit and harm.
This unsettling operation involves scammers posing as medical professionals who promise guaranteed pregnancies through dubious treatments. These treatments often include injections, pills, or substances whose contents remain unknown. Some women report physical changes, such as swollen stomachs, further convincing them of their pregnancies. To maintain the illusion, scammers warn against consulting legitimate doctors, claiming that the "baby" grows outside the womb and cannot be detected through conventional medical scans.
When it is time to "deliver" the child, the ordeal takes a darker turn. Women are either sedated or placed in hallucinatory states, waking up with newborns they are led to believe they birthed. The reality, however, is far more sinister. Investigations reveal that these babies are often trafficked, sourced through coercion or desperation from vulnerable pregnant women. The entire process is fueled by societal stigma around infertility, which leaves many women ostracized and willing to take extreme measures to bear a child.
One such victim, Chioma, sought help from one of these illicit clinics after enduring years of pressure from her husband’s family. She believed she had carried a child for 15 months before enduring a painful "delivery." Her story unfolded during a tense interrogation with Anambra state commissioner Ify Obinabo, who has been instrumental in exposing these scams. Chioma’s case underscores how deeply the scam exploits the hopes and fears of women, many of whom remain unaware of the deception until it is too late.
A BBC investigation revealed the chilling details of how these clinics operate. Undercover reporters infiltrated one such operation led by "Dr. Ruth," who promised guaranteed success. The so-called doctor manipulated the process with fake ultrasound machines and concocted drugs, all while demanding exorbitant fees. Beyond the initial treatment, women were coerced into paying for “scarce” drugs necessary for "delivery," often amounting to thousands of dollars.
This scam extends its reach beyond Nigeria, with social media groups spreading misinformation about cryptic pregnancies. These online spaces are often managed by the scammers themselves, enabling them to target a wider audience, including women from South Africa, the Caribbean, and the US. The misinformation perpetuates the belief in unscientific claims, leaving women even more susceptible to exploitation.
The crackdown on these operations has exposed the scale of their cruelty. In February 2024, a facility in Anambra state was raided, uncovering a complex where pregnant women were held against their will. Some were as young as 17, lured in by promises of secrecy or financial rewards for their babies. Authorities found evidence of trafficking, with babies sold to unsuspecting victims like Chioma.
Until societal attitudes toward infertility, reproductive rights, and adoption shift, such scams are likely to persist. Addressing these issues requires not only legal action against perpetrators but also societal support for women facing infertility, ensuring that desperation is not met with exploitation but with compassion and understanding.
