83-Year-Old Founder of Anambra Orphanage Arraigned for Alleged Human Trafficking

Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, founder of the Arrow of God Orphanage in Anambra State

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, the 83-year-old founder of the Arrow of God Orphanage in Anambra State, for alleged human trafficking.

According to a statement by NAPTIP’s Communication Officer, Adekoye Vincent, Ogo was brought before the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice Hauwa Yilwa.

The charge against Clara Ogo, a retired Army Lt. Col, reads: “That you, Ogo Chinwe Clara Deborah (F) 83 years old, of 66 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State and others (at large), on July 6, 2023, at the above address within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did buy and sell a baby, female, five months old, and thereby committed an offense punishable under Sections 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”

In October 2023, the Anambra State Government handed over Ogo, the founder of the Arrows of God Community Children’s Home in Onitsha, to NAPTIP following allegations of illegal adoption and baby sales. These allegations were brought to light by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, whose report and documentary exposed illicit activities linked to the orphanage.

“Following these revelations, NAPTIP launched a comprehensive investigation, resulting in Ogo’s arrest on October 3, 2023, at 15:10hrs within the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Awka, Anambra State,” the statement read.

Ogo pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the presiding judge granted her bail with a bond of N1.3 million and two sureties in like sum. She was subsequently remanded at the Onitsha Correctional Facility pending the fulfillment of her bail conditions. The trial is scheduled to continue on July 10, 2024.

Earlier reports indicated that the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, had sealed off the Arrow of God Community Children’s Home following Soyombo's investigative report. The report implicated the orphanage in illegal adoption practices and alleged involvement of the state ministry.

Obinabo has denied any involvement of herself or the ministry in the illegal child adoption scandal.