Protecting the Vulnerable: EDSG Shuts Down Illegal Orphanage Over Adoption Scam

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has uncovered an alleged adoption scam following the shutdown of an illegal orphanage, Uwadia Children Home, in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area.

The operation 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 disclosed that the incident was triggered by a formal complaint from an alleged victim, Mr. Monday Akpaduma, who reported irregularities in an adoption process.

According to the Commissioner, Mr. Akpaduma stated that he initially 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 informed that the adoption fee had been increased to ₦2 million by the ministry, an assertion that raised suspicion and prompted him to report the matter.

Preliminary investigations by the ministry revealed that all documents presented to Mr. Akpaduma were fraudulent and did not originate from the ministry, despite being issued on an outdated official letterhead.

Further allegations linked a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, to the issuance of the documents, suggesting possible collusion with the illegal orphanage. The Commissioner noted that the suspect was not present during the operation but assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.

The Commissioner also confirmed that the children at the facility have been safely evacuated, with some currently receiving medical attention.

Reaffirming the government’s stance, she emphasized that the Edo State Government maintains zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, or any form of abuse involving vulnerable children. She also clarified that the ministry does not charge arbitrary or inflated fees for adoption.

She urged members of the public to verify all adoption processes directly with the ministry and to report any suspicious activities, assuring that the rescued children are now in safe custody and receiving proper care.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.