On Wednesday, the Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area, was closed by the Anambra State Government, News About Nigeria reports.
The decision to close the facility was prompted by a news report alleging the illegal adoption of an infant girl in collaboration with one of the registered homes in the state.
Mrs. Ify Obinabo, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, informed the press that the owner’s license had been permanently revoked.
She said that Rev. Deborah Ogo, founder of the orphanage, who is currently evading authorities, chose to ignore the invitation to provide an explanation, which contributed to the facility’s closure with the involvement of security operatives.
A total of 20 children, including 10 boys, nine girls, and a newborn baby, were rescued from the facility and are now under the custody of the Ministry’s care unit. Mrs. Obinabo confirmed that appropriate measures will be taken to trace these children back to their respective families.
The commissioner also mentioned that neither she nor her ministry was aware of or involved in the adoptions conducted through the orphanage home.
No adoption processes had gone through them or required the signatures of three individuals, including hers, the Head Child Unit, and the Permanent Secretary, as required by her departmental office.
Mrs. Obinabo pointed out irregularities in the adoption procedures, noting that the courts used for adoptions must be certified by her ministry. Unfortunately, the Arrow Of God Community Children’s Home did not comply with this requirement while engaging in illicit activities that violated the established rules governing operations within these facilities.
She further cautioned other operators involved in such illegal activities and advised prospective adoptive parents seeking assistance not to fall victim to individuals posing as consultants representing her ministry.
She emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activities within orphanages directly to her department for necessary actions to combat such serious crimes within their jurisdiction.
In her words “Part of our mandate is to fight illegal adoption and we have put up measures to address that, including rules and regulations guiding operations of orphanages in the state.
“We have designated courts and the homes are aware of these courts because they are not supposed to use any other courts so that we can be in control of all adoptions.
“But Arrow of God went against the instructions. I found out that the founder carried out the adoption through one court in Nnewi to back up her nefarious acts.
“As soon as we saw the video, we rushed to the facility with police but discovered that the owners had disappeared, abandoning the entire children.
“We immediately sealed the facility and withdrew their license, while we brought the entire kids to the ministry to ensure their safety and upkeep
“The ministry has not engaged the services of any consultant. Always report any suspicious activity found in any orphanage to us for appropriate action.”
