Edo Govt closes Orphanage home, arrests proprietress over alleged adoption scam
Edo State Government Shuts Down Orphanage Home Amid Adoption Scam Allegations
The Edo State Government has closed an orphanage and apprehended its operator due to allegations of an adoption scam. The Uwadia Children Home, located in Afuze—administrative center of Owan East Local Government Area—was managed by Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia.
Eugenia Abdallah, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, announced the closure during a recent visit to the facility. The decision followed complaints regarding irregularities in the adoption process involving an individual identified as Mr. Monday Akpaduma.
Abdallah indicated that a staff member from the Social Welfare Department in Owan East, Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, is currently wanted in connection with the case. She claimed that Ogbodo provided documentation for the alleged fraudulent transactions, suggesting a potential conspiracy with the orphanage.
The commissioner stated that Mrs. Uwadia has been detained at Aideyan Police Station in Benin City for further investigation and possible prosecution. Ogbodo was not present during the operation and could not be arrested at that time. Abdallah assured that authorities are actively working to locate him and emphasized that all individuals involved in the illicit activities will face legal consequences.
According to the complaint, Akpaduma initially paid N250,000 as a processing fee for the adoption of a child. He later received requests for an additional N1 million before the child could be released. Following prolonged delays, he was allegedly informed that the adoption fee had escalated to N2 million, leading to his suspicion and subsequent report to the ministry.
An internal investigation confirmed that all documents submitted by Akpaduma were fraudulent, despite being issued on outdated ministry letterhead. Abdallah reported that the government has relocated the children from the orphanage to a secure location and some are currently receiving medical care.
The commissioner highlighted Edo State Government’s commitment to combating exploitation, fraud, and illegal practices involving vulnerable children. She reiterated that the ministry does not impose arbitrary or inflated adoption fees.
Investigations are ongoing, and Abdallah urged the public to verify information regarding adoptions directly with the ministry. She encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities and affirmed that the affected children are now receiving proper care.
