Circumcisionist wants to continue procedures

A NIGERIAN man who circumcised a baby boy, who later died from blood loss, is determined to prove to the Irish authorities he is “one of the best circumcisionists in the world”.

Osagie Igbinidion, cleared yesterday of a charge of reckless endangerment after a four-day trial, revealed a desire to continue carrying out such procedures in this country but only with state approval.

The 31-year-old walked free from Waterford Circuit Criminal Court yesterday after a trial following the death of baby Callis Osagaje.

The 29-day-old baby died on August 18, 2003, just over 10 hours after Mr Igbinidion circumcised him at his home with a double edged razor blade.

The court had heard the baby's life could have been saved if he had been brought to hospital in time.

"I have gone through immense pain and distress," said Mr Igbinidion, minutes after the verdict. "Circumcision is not a crime. If the Irish Government is ready to assist me, then I will prove to them that I am one of the best circumcisionists in the world.

"They should give me direction and I will be delighted. I would like to get the permission of the Justice Department. I won't carry out any more until the Government gives me the go-ahead."

The fourth generation circumcisionist and his wife Kathleen say they hope to continue to live in Kilkenny for the time being at least.

"This is a country that is not used to circumcision. But it should be done in a hospital," he urged.

Mr Igbinidion spent four months and seven days in jail waiting for the trial. He was later released on bail.

"It was a very difficult time. I was 'stoned' in the prison. They were stoning me with tennis balls. I had to be taken to a special unit in Cork prison."

His wife Kathleen Igbinidion said she was glad the case was over.

"My husband has suffered for the past two years. It's all due to the media. People have looked down on him. I thank God that it's all over and we can get on with our lives now."

His solicitor Brian Chesser said that Mr Igbinidion's thoughts were very much with baby Callis and his family. He said the couple also thanked the jury who had taken the judge's direction on board.

The court had heard the baby's life could have been saved had his parents, Idehen and Mabel Osagaje, immediately brought him to Waterford Regional Hospital to stem the blood loss.

Judge Kevin Hough said the case involved a clash of two cultures. "This is a relatively recent matter that Ireland will have to deal with now that we have a significant migrant population," he said.

Further advising the jury, the judge said: "You can not bring your white western values to bear when deciding this case. You must seek to put yourselves in the shoes of Mr Osagie Igbinidion, see the circumstances and the risks, if any, as he saw them and ask yourself, was he reckless."