The Edo State Government has arrested a woman, identified as Grace Uwadia, for allegedly running an illegal orphanage and defrauding unsuspecting individuals through a fake adoption scheme.
Uwadia, said to be the operator of “Uwadia Children Home” located in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, was apprehended following a complaint that exposed irregularities in an adoption process.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Euginia Abdallah, disclosed that the suspect has been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to her, the case came to light after a petitioner, Monday Akpaduma, reported suspicious demands during his attempt to adopt a child. He alleged that he initially paid ₦250,000 as a processing fee to the orphanage, but was later asked to pay an additional ₦2 million, purportedly as a ministry-approved adoption fee.
The demand raised concerns, prompting the victim to approach the ministry directly for clarification.
An internal investigation by the ministry revealed that the documents issued to the applicant were forged and did not originate from the ministry, despite appearing on an outdated official letterhead.
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Further findings suggested possible collaboration between the orphanage operator and a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, believed to have facilitated the fraudulent documentation.
However, the implicated official was not present during a visit by ministry authorities and is currently at large. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and other individuals linked to the operation.
The state government has also commenced a broader investigation aimed at identifying and shutting down other illegal orphanages operating across Edo State.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that all adoption processes follow due legal procedures.
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