Anambra govt seals orphanage home over child trafficking allegations

The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, has sealed off the Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Onitsha,

The closure follows allegations of illegal adoption and child trafficking. Obinabo, along with law enforcement personnel, took action on Wednesday after reports and a documentary by Fisayo Soyombo circulated on social media and local TV stations. These reports claimed that the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare was implicated in unlawful child adoption and operation of a registered home within the state.

Approximately 20 children were rescued from the orphanage, including a newborn baby, while the founder and employees of the facility managed to evade authorities and are currently evading capture. The children ranged in age from one to 17 years, consisting of ten boys, nine girls, and a newborn infant.

Despite Obinabo and the ministry refuting their involvement in the illicit child adoption case, Obinabo explained that Rev D.C Ogo, the orphanage’s founder, was requested to explain the situation at her Awka office but failed to comply.

Obinabo asserted, “The ministry is not aware of any adoption connected to the Arrow of God Orphanage home. The adoption process did not go through the ministry. There are irregularities in the adoption, such as the absence of three necessary signatories: the Commissioner, the Head of Child Welfare, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.”

Obinabo further clarified that since taking office, all applications for court orders regarding adoption or child welfare undergo the designated Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate Court in Awka. This is contrary to the Nnewi court order presented in the documentary. The primary objective, she emphasized, is to safeguard the child’s best interests.

Obinabo issued a warning to other operators of children’s homes involved in illegal adoptions, urging them to cease such activities immediately or face consequences. She emphasized that the state government is committed to cracking down on operators who fail to adhere to the mandated standardized operational practices and procedures in the state.

She also advised prospective adoptive parents in the state to exercise caution, as unauthorized individuals now present themselves as ministry consultants facilitating adoptions. Obinabo clarified that the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare has not enlisted the services of any consultants.

Obinabo urged the public to report any suspicious activities at orphanages to the ministry and assured that actions are underway to ensure the operator of the said orphanage is brought to justice. The rescued children are currently under the care of the state government, and efforts are being made to locate and reunite them with their respective families.