Daud Olatunji
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, the 83-year-old founder of the renowned Arrow of God Orphanage in Anambra State, on charges of human trafficking.
The arraignment took place at the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, under the auspices of Hon. Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who is presiding over the case.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Clara Ogo stands accused of involvement in the buying and selling of human beings for various purposes.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Ogo, a retired Nigerian Army Lt. Col and nurse, established the Arrow of God Orphanage in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, with additional branches in Lagos State.
The orphanage, which has garnered significant attention over the years for its work with vulnerable children, came under intense scrutiny in 2023 after an investigative journalist uncovered alleged illicit activities, including illegal adoptions and the sale of babies.
These allegations prompted NAPTIP to initiate a thorough investigation, which led to Ogo’s arrest on October 3, 2023, at 3:10pm within the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Awka, Anambra State.
The investigation revealed disturbing evidence that culminated in the formal charge against Ogo.
The defendant was arraigned on a single charge which reads: “That you Ogo Chinwe Clara Deborah (F) 83 Years old, of 66 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State and others (at large), on July 6th, 2023 at the above address within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did buy and sell a baby, female, 5(Five) months old, and thereby committed an offense punishable under Sections 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
Ogo however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In her court appearance, Ogo was granted bail, set at N1.3 million, along with the condition of providing two sureties of equal financial standing.
Despite the bail conditions, she was remanded at the Onitsha Correctional Facility pending the fulfillment of these conditions.
The case has been adjourned to July 10, 2024, for trial.
Meanwhile, Communications Officer for NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent, Ina statement disclosed that the agency has sealed the Arrow of God Orphanage to prevent any further alleged illegal activities and to protect the welfare of the children currently residing there.
Adekoye added that the action is part of NAPTIP’s broader commitment to combat human trafficking and ensure that vulnerable individuals, especially children, are safeguarded from exploitation.
He emphasized the agency’s dedication to justice and the protection of human rights.
He said “the arraignment of Clara Ogo is a testament to NAPTIP’s relentless efforts to combat human trafficking in all its forms.
“We remain committed to ensuring that those who exploit others for personal gain are brought to justice,” Vincent stated.
The case has attracted significant public interest due to the high profile of the accused and the grave nature of the allegations.
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