Anambra State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo, has taken decisive action by shutting down the Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Onitsha following allegations of illicit child adoption and trafficking.

This intervention occurred on August 16, 2023, subsequent to a comprehensive investigative report by journalist Fisayo Soyombo, which circulated on social media and local TV stations.

The report implicated the state’s women and social welfare ministry in unauthorized adoption practices, specifically concerning a baby girl and one of the registered homes in the area.

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In response, Hon. Obinabo initially extended an invitation to the orphanage’s founder, Rev D. C Ogo, to address the matter at her Awka office, which went unanswered.

In conjunction with law enforcement, the Women Affairs Commissioner then led an operation to seal the Arrow of God Orphanage at its Nkwelle location.

Hon. Obinabo emphasized that the ministry had no knowledge of any adoption through Arrow of God Orphanage, asserting that the prescribed adoption procedures did not involve the ministry.

She highlighted discrepancies in the adoption process, such as missing signatures from key authorities, including her own, the Head of Child Services, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

The Commissioner emphasized that the ministry now exclusively processes adoption applications through the designated Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka.

This ensures adherence to standardized operational practices and the child’s best interests.

Hon. Obinabo cautioned other children’s home operators engaged in unlawful adoptions to cease immediately or face legal repercussions.

She urged prospective adoptive parents to remain cautious, as some individuals impersonating ministry consultants facilitate fraudulent adoptions.

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The ministry clarified that it had not enlisted any external consultants.

The Commissioner urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activities within orphanages to the ministry and assured that Rev. DC Ogo’s accountability would be pursued diligently.

In the operation, 20 children were rescued from the home, with their ages ranging from 1 to 17 years, including boys, girls, and a newborn.

Presently, the state government is providing care for the children, while efforts are underway to locate and reunite them with their respective families.