As part of efforts to protect the rights of women and girls, Women Radio 91.7FM has launched a documentary produced by a 24-year-old fellow of the Women Radio Centre and freelance journalist, Ramatu, which uncovered the N5000 illegal abortion carried out on minors in Jos. The documentary, which was launched during a virtual press conference on Sunday, 5 May 2024, revealed sexual trafficking and illegal abortions being carried out on underage girls in the Yan-Doya community of Jos in Plateau State by Ali Madida, a quack who paraded himself as a medical doctor.

Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the MD/CEO of Women Radio 91.7, saluted the bravery of Ramatu for daring to uncover these unreported crimes perpetrated by the quack doctor, adding that she is proud of Ramatu as this is her first undercover work. Okewale-Sonaiya, who stated that Ramatu is a product of the investigative training organised by the Women Radio Centre in 2023, pledged that Women Radio would continue to use her platforms to expose corruption and crimes against women and demand accountability.

Speaking on the documentary, Ramatu disclosed that she was motivated to investigate the report after she visited a relative in Jos and heard a rumour about one Ali Madida, who conducts abortions on underaged girls and how one of his victims, Aisha, died following the complications she developed from an abortion he performed on her. According to Ramatu, the investigation, which took her almost seven months to complete, was put together to get justice for the underage girls whose rights have been infringed by the quack doctor as well as highlight the need for sanitation of the medical profession.

Dapo Olorunyomi, the Publisher of Premium Times and Supervising Director of the documentary, commended Ramatu and Women Radio for the efforts put into producing the report. Pinado Adama, Ramatu’s coach, stated that she is proud of Ramatu’s work and hopes that the outcome of the documentary goes a long way in holding Ali Madida accountable for his actions and also serves as a form of justice for his victims so that their rights are honoured and upheld. Adama encouraged other women journalists to take a cue from the investigative report and contribute to righting societal wrongs through their reports.

Esther Alaribe, Programmes Manager at Women Radio, who disclosed that Ali Madido has been arrested on several occasions but has a way of getting himself out of police custody, called on relevant stakeholders and authorities to do the needful and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book. Alaribe further encouraged media colleagues to use their various platforms to amplify the report until it gets the attention of the right authorities, adding that society cannot allow the future of young girls to be jeopardised.

Taiwo Adeleye, the Project Officer at Women Radio 91.7, revealed that communication has been established with the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State and the operatives have been provided with information about the location of Ali Madido’s clinic. While stating that the report, alongside other evidence, has been shared with the police to ensure that the quack doctor is arrested and brought to book, Adeleye called on NAPTIP, Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Women Affairs, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) to pick up the case and ensure that the survivors and victims of Dr Madido’s evil act get the justice they truly deserve.

Following the response of the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State to pursue this case, the consensus of the virtual press conference is that Dr Ali Madido must be arrested and prosecuted, and his clinic must be shut down to serve as a deterrent to others who perform illegal abortions and exploit underaged girls. Also, non-governmental and civil society organisations should endeavour to amplify their efforts in ensuring that harmful practices against women and girls are stopped in our society.

Blessing Agbeetan
Women Radio 91.7
News@wfm917.com