Edo arrests illegal orphanage operator over N2m adoption scam

Edo State authorities have taken decisive action against an illegal orphanage operator, Grace Efe Uwadia, who stands accused of running a fraudulent adoption scheme. The Uwadia Children Home in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, has been shut down, and its proprietor handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

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After prolonged delays, he was allegedly informed that the adoption fee had been increased to ₦2m by the ministry, a claim that raised his suspicion and prompted him to report directly to the ministry.

The crackdown followed a complaint from Monday Akpaduma, who alleged he was defrauded of ₦250,000 in processing fees for adopting a child. His suspicions were raised when the orphanage demanded an additional ₦1 million, eventually escalating the purported adoption fee to ₦2 million, a claim that did not align with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development's procedures.

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It was gathered that an internal investigation was immediately launched, which revealed that all documents presented by Mr Akpaduma were fraudulent and did not originate from the ministry, despite being issued on an old ministry letterhead.

Further investigation by the ministry uncovered fraudulent documents presented by Akpaduma, which, despite being on an old ministry letterhead, did not originate from the government agency. This points to a potential internal collusion, with a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in the Owan East Local Government Council suspected of supplying the fake documents. While this official evaded arrest during the operation, efforts are underway to apprehend them and bring all involved parties to justice.

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He may have heard of the visit from the ministry and left his seat, so he was not around when ministry officials visited the council. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him, and all individuals connected to the illegal operation will be brought to justice.