By Ishola Balogun
Three weeks after we broke the story of the Precious Donatus Ogbonna who claimed to have given birth to seven babies within 11 months, the truth is yet unknown about her story. Her claim astounded even medical experts as many of them whom we spoke with declared ‘it was not possible’.
The Police immediately delved into the matter and since, she has been in police custody while investigations continue. The babies are said to be receiving care in an orphanage which the police described as “a safe home, a safe approved and competent home”in Owerri.
In order to unravel the veracity or otherwise of her claim, and to furnish Nigerians who are eager to know the truth – whether Precious Donatus Ogboona is the mother of the seven babies; Vanguard Media Limited has offered to sponsor a DNA test and the result will be published. It is currently discussing with the firm that would carry out the test.
Background to the story
On Saturday 11/06/2011, Saturday Vanguard first reported the story after meeting the embattled woman in Aguda, Lagos during her visit to Lagos with the babies.
On Saturday 18/06/2011, Saturday Vanguard gave a detailed report of her story and reactions of some neighbours and medical experts. While the neighbours and friends agreed that it was a miracle, the medical experts said it is beyond medical explanation.
On Monday 20/06/2001, the Police stormed the house of the ‘miracle woman’ at Irete, Owerri, Monday evening and took her away to the State Police CID, Owerri, for interrogation. The babies were moved to an undisclosed Orphanage in Owerri.
The police in an interview with Saturday Vanguard assured on the safety and welfare of the babies: “We don’t have any complaint about their safety or welfare. The police authorities are seeing to that in concert with the organization that is keeping them.”
After two weeks in detention, our source disclosed that Mrs Precious Ogbonna has been facing terrible times where she was kept by the police: In a text sent to Saturday Vanguard by a source recently, it reads: “Her state in the cell is hell on earth, there are mosquito bites all over her.”
Mrs Precious Ogbonna is claiming she delivered the babies as follow: First baby, August 25 2009, Amarachi (died after five days); second baby, May 6, 2010 (Conqueror, female); third baby, June 3, 2010, (Chizitere, female); fourth baby, August 16, 2010 (Ekpereamaka, male); fifth baby, September 19, 2010, (Fineseed Angel, female); sixth baby, October 19, 2010 (Evidence, female); seventh baby, January 13, 2011,( Flourish, male), eight baby, April 2, 2011, (Ebenezer, male) .
As the police continue their investigation, Saturday Vanguard will not relent to give you update on her case until the truth is established.
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