The Anambra State Government shut the Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Onitsha on Wednesday due to claims of unlawful adoption and child sale.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, led security agents to seal off the facility.
The government made the decision after an investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism revealed that the orphanage was reportedly swapping newborns for cash.
The report, which was released on August 10, 2023, was the result of a 19-month investigation led by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.
About 20 children, including a newborn baby, were recovered from the orphanage while the founder and the employees fled.
The ages of the children recovered ranged between one and 17.
The commissioner said the founder of the orphanage home, Rev D.C Ogo, was invited to her office in Awka for an explanation, but she did not honour the invitation.
She said, “The ministry is not aware of any adoption with the Arrow of God Orphanage Home and the adoption process never went through the ministry.
“There are irregularities in the said adoption which include the absence of three signatories such as the Commissioner, the Head of Child and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
“Since I assumed office, all application for a court order of adoption or care goes through the designated Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrates’ Court in Awka as against the Nnewi Court order presented in the documentary. This is so because the fundamental goal is to protest the best interest of the child.”
She warned other children’s home operators involved in illegal adoption to desist forthwith or face the consequences, stating that the state government is all out to clamp down on operators who don’t follow the stipulated standardised operational practices and processes in the state.
“The children recovered are currently in the care of the state government as necessary steps are underway to trace and reunite them with their different families,” she added.