The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has uncovered an alleged adoption scam following the closure of an illegal orphanage, Uwadia Children Home, in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area.
The development also led to the arrest of the proprietress, an elderly woman, Mrs Grace Efe Uwadia who has been handed over to the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City for further investigation and prosecution.
Providing further insight into the case, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development revealed that the incident was triggered by a formal complaint from an alleged victim, Mr Monday Akpaduma who had approached the ministry after encountering irregularities in an adoption process.
According to the Commissioner, the man alleged that he initially applied to adopt a child through the orphanage and paid a sum of N250,000 as a processing fee.
He was subsequently asked to pay an additional N1 million before the child could be released to him.
After prolonged delays, he was allegedly informed that the adoption fee had been increased to N2 million by the ministry, a claim that raised suspicion and prompted him to report directly to the ministry.
The Commissioner explained that an internal investigation was immediately launched, which revealed that all documents presented by Mr. Akpaduma were fraudulent and did not originate from the ministry, despite being issued on an old ministry letterhead.
Further allegations by Mr. Akpadume, pointed to a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, Mr Vincent Ogbodo as the source of the documents, suggesting possible collusion with the illegal orphanage in carrying out the alleged illicit activities.
She disclosed that the Local Government staff could not be arrested at the time of the operation, as he was not present in the office.
However, she assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend him, stressing that all individuals connected to the illegal operation will be brought to justice.
The Commissioner further stated that the ministry has evacuated the children from the orphanage to a safe location, adding that some of them are currently receiving medical treatment.
She emphasized that the Edo State Government has zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, or any form of illegal practice involving vulnerable children, and reiterated that the ministry does not charge arbitrary or inflated fees for adoption.
She urged members of the public to always verify information directly with the ministry and report any suspicious activities, while assuring that the affected children are now in safe custody and receiving appropriate care.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
