Nigerian Home Birth Influencer Arrested, Charged with Manslaughter After Baby Dies During Delivery

A Nigerian home-birth influencer, Oyebola Coxon, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in Australia following the death of a baby she helped deliver at home.

Oyebola, who presents herself as a midwife and promotes “natural” at-home births without medical intervention, reportedly attended to a pregnant woman in Wallsend, New South Wales, last October.

According to Daily Mail, during the delivery, the expectant mother pleaded to be taken to the hospital, but Oyebola allegedly ignored her and kept her in labour for two days.

After complications arose, the woman was eventually rushed to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where doctors performed a Caesarean section. Sadly, the baby boy died eight days later, while both mother and child had suffered serious complications.

Following investigations, Oyebola was arrested on August 14 in Wallsend. She has since been charged with manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

Though granted bail after her court appearance, strict conditions were imposed — including a ban on acting, practising, or educating anyone in relation to childbirth or pregnancy.

Her trial is scheduled to begin on October 15 at Newcastle Crown Court.