Police arrest proprietress as Edo shuts illegal orphanage over alleged adoption scam

BENIN CITY — Authorities in Edo State have uncovered an alleged illegal orphanage in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of its proprietress, Mrs Grace Efe Uwadia, over a suspected adoption scam.

The facility, known as Uwadia Children Home, was shut down following complaints of irregularities in its adoption process.

State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Euginia Abdallah, confirmed that the suspect has been handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution.

She disclosed that the ministry has commenced a statewide crackdown on similar illegal facilities.

The case arose from a complaint by a prospective adopter, Mr Monday Akpaduma, who alleged that he was defrauded while attempting to adopt a child.

According to him, he paid an initial ₦250,000 processing fee and was later asked to pay an additional ₦1 million before the child could be released.

He said further delays followed, after which he was told the fee had been increased to ₦2 million—an explanation that raised suspicion.

A senior ministry official revealed that documents issued to the complainant were forged and did not originate from the ministry, despite carrying its old letterhead.

Preliminary investigations, the official added, suggest possible collusion involving a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, who is currently at large.

The ministry said efforts are ongoing to apprehend all those involved and ensure they are brought to justice.