• Swings into action
From our news desk, Benin
An illegal Orphanage; Uwadia Children Home have been discovered by the Edo State Government in Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan-East Local Government Council area.
The discovery followed a suspected adoption scam reported to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, by a victim whose name was given as Monday Akpaduma.
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This was made known in a press release by Daisy Osunde, director, media in the ministry and circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Wednesday, 22 April, 2026.
The ministry’s commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah was quoted to have revealed that the discovery was triggered after the victim; Monday Akpaduma launched a formal complaint of irregularities in an adoption process he initiated, with the alleged illegal Orphanage.
The Commissioner narrates; that Akpaduma had alleged he initially applied to adopt a child through the orphanage and was made to pay the sum of ₦250,000 as a processing fee.
He was later asked to pay an additional ₦1 million before the child could be released to him.
This was further trailed by a prolonged delay after which he was allegedly informed that the adoption fee had been increased to ₦2 million by the State ministry.
Suspecting at this junction that something was not right with the information and demand, the victim decided to report directly to the ministry.
Consequently, the ministry swiftly swung into action launching an internal investigation.
The result of which revealed that all documents tendered by Akpaduma were products of fraud, and did not originate from the ministry despite carrying its old letterhead.
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Further investigation revealed that a staff member of the Social Welfare Department in Owan East Local Government Council, whose identity was given as Vincent Ogbodo, was the source of the documents.
A revelation which suggest possible collusion with the illegal Orphanage in carrying out the alleged illicit activities, Mrs. Abdallah said.
But Ogbodo could not be arrested at the time of the operation, as he was not present in the office, She added.
The Commissioner however assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend him, stressing that all persons connected to dealings by the illegal Orphanage will be brought to justice.
Though, the proprietress, an elderly woman, Mrs. Grace Efe Uwadia was arrested and has been handed over to the Aideyan Police Station in Benin City for further investigation and possible prosecution.
However, the ministry has evacuated the children from the illegal Orphanage to a safe location, Mrs. Abdallah was quoted to have said; adding that some of them are currently receiving medical treatment.
Saddened by the discovery, She emphasized that Edo State Government has zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, or any form of illegal practice involving vulnerable children.
While She reiterated that the State ministry does not charge arbitrary or inflated fees for adoption.
Continuing, Mrs. Abdallah urged members of the public to always verify information directly with the ministry and report any suspicious activities.
As She was quoted to have reassured; that the affected children are now in safe custody and receiving appropriate care.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, the State Commissioner reportedly stated.
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