The Edo State Government has arrested a woman, Grace Efe Uwadia, for allegedly operating an illegal orphanage and defrauding prospective adopters in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area.
The facility, known as Uwadia Children Home, is now under investigation following allegations of extortion and the use of forged documents in adoption processes.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Euginia Abdallah, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, adding that the suspect has been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest followed a complaint by a victim, Monday Akpaduma, who alleged that he was defrauded while attempting to adopt a child from the home.
According to the ministry, Akpaduma initially paid ₦250,000 as a processing fee but was later asked to pay an additional ₦1 million before the child could be released. The demand was subsequently raised to ₦2 million, prompting suspicion and a formal report to authorities.
An internal probe by the ministry revealed that documents issued to the complainant were forged.
“All documents presented were found to be fake and did not originate from the ministry, despite being printed on an outdated official letterhead,” a senior official disclosed.
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Preliminary findings also indicate possible collusion between the orphanage and a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, who is suspected of supplying the fraudulent documents.
The official reportedly fled before authorities arrived, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
The state government said it has intensified its crackdown on unregistered orphanages and warned that individuals involved in illegal adoption practices would face strict legal action.
It also raised concerns over the growing trend of child trafficking disguised as adoption, describing it as a serious threat to child protection in the state.
