Anambra state government has sealed an orphanage, Arrow of God Community Children’s Home at Nkwelle Ezunaka near Onitsha over allegations of illegal adoption and selling of children.
The commissioner of women and social welfare, Ify Obinabo who disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking to reporters, said the license of the owner of the facility had also been withdrawn indefinitely.
She said the action followed a report which accused the ministry of involvement in the illegal adoption of a baby girl in connivance with one of the registered homes in the state.
She added that the founder of the home, Rev D. Ogo, presently at large, had ignored her invitation, an action she said contributed to sealing the facility in collaboration with security operatives.
The commissioner said that a total of 20 children, comprising 10 boys, 9 girls and a newborn were rescued from the facility and are currently in the ministry’s custody, adding that appropriate steps were on to trace and reunite them with their families.
She said, “The ministry is not aware of any adoption with the Arrow of God Orphanage home even 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 that of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
“Since I assumed office, all application for court order of adoption or care goes through the designated Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka as against the Nnewi court order presented in the documentary, this is so because the fundamental goal is to preserve 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.
She advised parents who intend to adopt a child in the state to be more careful as unsuspecting persons now parade themselves as ministry’s consultants who help in facilitating adoption.
“The general public should note that the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare did not engage the services of any consultant.
“We urge everyone to always report any suspicious activity found in any orphanage homes to the ministry even as we assured of making sure that the operator of the said orphanage home is brought to book in no distant time.
“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.