Abia Pension Fraud Suspect, Miriam Azubuike, Delivers Baby in Prison, Appeals for Bail
Umuahia, Nigeria- One of the civil servants arrested in 2024 for allegedly embezzling pension funds belonging to Abia State, Mrs. Miriam Azubuike, has delivered a baby boy while in prison custody.
Azubuike, who has remained in detention since her arraignment, gave birth in a government-owned hospital under the supervision of prison authorities.
The accused, along with several other defendants, was arrested and charged before a Federal High Court in Umuahia on allegations of misappropriating pension funds meant for retirees in Abia State. The court granted them bail in 2025 under specific conditions, but they have remained in custody due to their inability to meet the requirements.
Despite their continued detention, legal proceedings in the case are ongoing as the court determines their fate.
Following Mrs. Azubuike's childbirth, some of her close associates have appealed to the Abia State government to consider her release on bail. They argue that granting her temporary freedom would allow her to properly care for her newborn while awaiting trial.
Speaking anonymously, one of her friends said, “The baby is innocent, and as a mother, she needs to be in a stable environment to take care of her child. We urge the authorities to reconsider her bail conditions.
Legal analysts believe that Mrs. Azubuike’s case raises significant human rights concerns, particularly regarding the welfare of her newborn. Experts suggest that courts often review bail conditions for nursing mothers, especially when the childs well-being is at stake.
It remains to be seen whether the Abia State government and the judiciary will reconsider her bail application in light of her new circumstances.
