Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Onitsha has been shut down by the Anambra State Government due to allegations of engaging in illegal adoption and the sale of children.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, led law enforcement agents to close down the facility as a response to an investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism.
This report, published on August 10, 2023, detailed the orphanage’s alleged involvement in trading babies for monetary gain. The investigation, led by journalist Fisayo Soyombo, spanned 19 months.
Approximately 20 children, including a newborn, were rescued from the orphanage premises, while both the founder and staff members managed to evade authorities. The children’s ages ranged from one to 17 years old.
Commissioner Obinabo disclosed that Rev D.C Ogo, the founder of the orphanage, was invited to her office in Awka for explanation but did not respond to the invitation. She highlighted the irregularities in the adoption processes, citing the absence of required signatories, such as the Commissioner, the Head of Child, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry. She emphasized that all legitimate adoption applications must go through the designated Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrates’ Court in Awka.
She said, “The ministry is not aware of any adoption with the Arrow of God Orphanage Home 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 the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
“Since I assumed office, all application for a court order of adoption or care goes through the designated Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrates’ Court in Awka as against the Nnewi Court order presented in the documentary. This is so because the fundamental goal is to protest the best interest of the child.”
Obinabo issued a stern warning to other operators of children’s homes involved in illegal adoption, urging them to cease their activities or face legal consequences. The state government is committed to enforcing standardized operational practices and procedures in such facilities.
The commissioner assured that the recovered children are under the care of the state government, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their respective families.
