The Edo State Government has arrested Grace Efe Uwadia for allegedly running an unregistered orphanage, known as Uwadia Children Home, located in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area.
According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Euginia Abdallah, the arrest followed allegations of an adoption fraud scheme. She confirmed that Uwadia has been transferred to the Edo State Police Command for investigation and possible prosecution, while authorities are also investigating other similar facilities across the state.
The case began after a complaint was filed by a man, Monday Akpaduma, who reported irregularities during an adoption process. A ministry official explained that Akpaduma said he initially paid ₦250,000 as an adoption processing fee and was later asked to pay an additional ₦1 million to complete the process.
“After prolonged delays, he was allegedly informed that the adoption fee had been increased to ₦2m by the ministry, a claim that raised his suspicion and prompted him to report directly to the ministry.
“It was gathered that an internal investigation was immediately launched, which revealed that all documents presented by Mr Akpaduma were fraudulent and did not originate from the ministry, despite being issued on an old ministry letterhead,” the senior staff member stated.
Further investigations reportedly linked a Social Welfare Department staff member in Owan East Local Government Council to the issuance of the documents, suggesting possible collaboration with the illegal orphanage.
However, the official could not be arrested during the operation because he was not present at the office at the time.
“He may have heard of the visit from the ministry and left his seat, so he was not around when ministry officials visited the council. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him, and all individuals connected to the illegal operation will be brought to justice.
“We can also confirm that the proprietor of the illegal orphanage has been handed over to the state Police Command in Benin for further investigation and prosecution.”