The Edo State Government has shut down an illegal orphanage, Uwadia Children Home, in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, following the uncovering of an alleged adoption scam.
The facility’s proprietress, Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia, has been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development said the action followed a complaint by a prospective adopter, Mr. Monday Akpaduma, who raised concerns over suspicious financial demands during an adoption process. He alleged that after paying an initial ₦250,000 processing fee, he was asked to pay an additional ₦1 million, which was later increased to ₦2 million under the pretext that it was required by the ministry.
According to the commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that all documents issued to the complainant were forged and did not originate from the ministry, despite being produced on an outdated official letterhead.
The probe also implicated a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Area, Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, who is suspected to have collaborated with the orphanage in issuing the fake documents. He is currently at large, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
The commissioner disclosed that children found at the facility have been evacuated to a government-approved home, where they are receiving appropriate care and medical attention.
She reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on child exploitation, fraud, and illegal adoption practices, urging members of the public to verify all adoption processes directly with the ministry.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
