Edo State Government Exposes Adoption Scam, Shuts Down Illegal Orphanage
The Edo State Government, acting through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has made a significant breakthrough in combating child exploitation by uncovering a sophisticated adoption scam. This operation led to the immediate closure of an illegal orphanage known as Uwadia Children Home, located in Afuze within the Owan East Local Government Area.
Arrest and Investigation Underway
In a decisive move, authorities arrested the elderly proprietress of the facility, Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia. She has been formally handed over to the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City, where she will face thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution for her alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.
Complaint Triggers Government Action
The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development provided detailed insights into the case, revealing that the investigation was initiated following a formal complaint from Mr. Monday Akpaduma. The complainant approached the ministry after encountering suspicious irregularities during an adoption process he had engaged in with the orphanage.
According to the Commissioner, Mr. Akpaduma alleged that he initially applied to adopt a child through Uwadia Children Home and paid a processing fee of N250,000. Subsequently, he was instructed to pay an additional N1 million before the child could be released to him. After experiencing prolonged delays, he was informed that the adoption fee had been arbitrarily increased to N2 million, with the orphanage falsely claiming this directive came from the ministry itself.
Discovery of Fraudulent Documents
This suspicious claim prompted Mr. Akpaduma to report directly to the ministry, which immediately launched an internal investigation. The probe revealed that all documents presented by Mr. Akpaduma were completely fraudulent. Although these documents were issued on an old ministry letterhead, they did not originate from any legitimate government office, exposing a deliberate attempt to deceive prospective adoptive parents.
Alleged Collusion with Local Government Staff
Further allegations from Mr. Akpaduma pointed to possible collusion between the illegal orphanage and Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, a staff member of the Social Welfare Department at the Owan East Local Government Council. Mr. Akpaduma identified Mr. Ogbodo as the source of the fraudulent documents, suggesting an organized network facilitating these illicit activities.
The Commissioner disclosed that Mr. Ogbodo could not be arrested during the initial operation as he was not present in his office at the time. However, she assured the public that efforts are intensifying to apprehend him, emphasizing that all individuals connected to this illegal operation will be brought to justice without exception.
Rescue and Care of Affected Children
In a compassionate response, the ministry has successfully evacuated all children from the illegal orphanage to a secure and safe location. The Commissioner confirmed that some of these children are currently receiving necessary medical treatment, ensuring their well-being is prioritized following this traumatic experience.
Government's Zero Tolerance Policy
The Commissioner strongly reiterated the Edo State Government's zero tolerance policy towards exploitation, fraud, or any illegal practices involving vulnerable children. She clarified that the ministry does not charge arbitrary or inflated fees for adoption processes, distancing the legitimate government operations from the criminal activities uncovered.
She urged members of the public to always verify information directly with the ministry and to promptly report any suspicious activities related to adoption or orphanage operations. The Commissioner provided assurance that the affected children are now in safe custody and receiving appropriate care, with ongoing investigations into the matter to ensure complete resolution.
