By DADA AYOKHAI
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 led to the arrest of the proprietress, Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia, who has been handed over to the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City for further investigation and prosecution.
Providing insight into the case, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development ,Hon
Eugenia Abdallah said the incident was triggered by a formal complaint from an alleged victim, Mr. Monday Akpaduma, who approached the ministry after encountering irregularities in an adoption process.
According to the Commissioner, Akpaduma alleged that he applied to adopt a child through the orphanage and paid ₦250,000 as a processing fee. He was later asked to pay an additional ₦1 million before the child could be released to him. After prolonged delays, he was allegedly told that the adoption fee had been increased to ₦2 million by the ministry — a claim that raised suspicion and prompted him to report to the ministry.
The Commissioner explained that an internal investigation was immediately launched. It revealed that all documents presented by Akpaduma were fraudulent and did not originate from the ministry, despite being issued on an old ministry letterhead.
Akpaduma further alleged that a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, was the source of the documents, suggesting possible collusion with the illegal orphanage.
The Commissioner disclosed that Ogbodo could not be arrested during the operation as he was not in the office. She, however, assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend him, stressing that all individuals connected to the illegal operation will be brought to justice.
She added that the ministry has evacuated the children from the orphanage to a safe location, with some currently receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner emphasized that the Edo State Government has zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, or any illegal practice involving vulnerable children. She 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 suspicious activities, assuring that the affected children are now in safe custody and receiving appropriate care.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
