Edo State Government has shut down the Uwadia Children Home in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, and arrested its operator, Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia, over allegations of an adoption scam involving fraudulent documents and inflated fees. The facility, which operated under the guise of a legitimate orphanage, was sealed following a complaint from Mr. Monday Akpaduma, who claimed he was defrauded during an adoption process. The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Eugenia Abdallah, confirmed the closure during a visit to the site, revealing that the operation was part of a broader investigation into illegal adoption practices.
According to the Commissioner, Mr. Akpaduma initially paid N250,000 as a processing fee for the adoption of a child from the orphanage. He was later asked to pay an additional N1 million, and after further delays, informed that the total fee had been raised to N2 million by the ministry—a claim that raised immediate suspicion. He reported the incident directly to the ministry, prompting an internal investigation that uncovered fraudulent documents presented during the transaction. These documents, though printed on an old ministry letterhead, were found to be forged and not issued by the ministry.
Abdallah disclosed that Mr. Vincent Ogbodo, a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, is currently wanted in connection with the scam. She alleged that Ogbodo provided the fraudulent documents, suggesting a possible conspiracy between the illegal orphanage and the public official. Although Ogbodo was not present during the raid and could not be apprehended at the time, the government has vowed to bring him to justice. Mrs. Uwadia, the proprietor, has been handed over to the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City for further investigation and prosecution.
The State Government has since evacuated all children from the orphanage to a safe location, with some receiving medical treatment. Abdallah emphasized that the Edo State Government has zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, or any illegal activity involving vulnerable children. She reiterated that the ministry does not charge arbitrary or inflated fees for adoption and urged the public to verify any adoption-related information directly with the ministry. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety and welfare of children.
The investigation into the matter remains ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the scam. The case highlights the need for vigilance in adoption processes and reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation. As the legal process unfolds, the affected children remain in safe custody and under proper care, with authorities committed to ensuring justice for all involved.
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