Daud Olatunji
In a significant development, the Anambra State Government has handed over the founder of the Arrows of God Community Children’s Home, Onitsha, Rev D.C Ogo, to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
This action follows recent allegations of illegal adoption surrounding the orphanage.
Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, made this announcement in a statement released on Wednesday.
Back in August 2023, the ministry sealed off the orphanage, situated in Nkwelle 33, near Onitsha, in response to accusations of illegal adoption and the alleged sale of children.
During this operation, approximately 20 children, including a newborn, were rescued from the orphanage, while both the founder and employees reportedly fled.
The decision by the government to hand over the founder came in the wake of an investigative report published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, which exposed the orphanage’s alleged involvement in the trading of babies for monetary gain.
This report, published on August 10, 2023, resulted from a comprehensive 19-month investigation led by journalist Fisayo Soyombo.
In the statement released on Wednesday, Ikeanyionwu revealed that when questioned about her two-month absence following the sealing of the home, the founder cited illness as the reason for her non-appearance when summoned.
The statement quoted the commissioner expressing concern over the tarnished image the founder has brought to the state. Furthermore, the commissioner issued a stern warning to operators of other children’s homes, urging them to refrain from engaging in any illegal activities that could damage the state’s reputation.
Regarding the adoption process, Ogo claimed that her secretary, Mr. Monday, had handled it, failing to provide a reasonable explanation for her actions despite the commissioner’s warning.
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