The Edo State Government has shut down an orphanage home in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, and arrested its operator following allegations of a large-scale adoption scam.
The facility, known as Uwadia Children Home, was sealed after a formal complaint was filed regarding irregularities in its adoption processes.
Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia, the operator of the now-closed orphanage, is currently in police custody at the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City, where she is being investigated for her alleged involvement in the fraudulent activities.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, revealed the details of the operation during a visit to the orphanage. She explained that the shutdown was prompted by a complaint from Mr. Monday Akpaduma, who alleged discrepancies in the adoption process.
According to Abdallah, Mr. Akpaduma claimed he paid an initial processing fee of N250,000 for the adoption of a child. He was later allegedly asked to pay an additional N1 million, and subsequently informed that the adoption fee had been increased to N2 million by the ministry. This prompted him to report his suspicions to the Ministry.
An internal investigation revealed that the documents presented by Mr. Akpaduma were fraudulent and did not originate from the ministry, despite bearing an old ministry letterhead.
The Commissioner also declared Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, as wanted in connection with the case. Abdallah alleged that Ogbodo was the source of the fraudulent documents used in the transaction, suggesting a conspiracy with the illegal orphanage.
While Ogbodo was not present at his office during the operation, Abdallah vowed that efforts are underway to apprehend him and bring all individuals connected to the illegal operation to justice.
Abdallah emphasized the Edo State Government’s zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, or any form of illegal practice involving vulnerable children. She reiterated that the ministry does not charge arbitrary or inflated fees for adoption and urged the public to verify information directly with the ministry regarding adoption processes.
The children who were residing at Uwadia Children Home have been evacuated to a safe location and are receiving appropriate care, including medical treatment for some.
The Commissioner urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to child welfare to the ministry. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
