NAPTIP brings retired octogenarian officer to justice for human trafficking

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has summoned Clara Ogo, an 83-year-old woman and founder of the famous Arrow of God orphanage in Anambra State, for alleged buying and selling of human beings. humans.

She was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Judge Hauwa Yilwa.

Clara Ogo, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Nigerian Army and a nurse, is the owner of the orphanage located at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of ​​Anambra State with branches in Lagos State.

In a press release on Sunday, NAPTIP Communications Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said the Arrow of God orphanage came under scrutiny in 2023 after an investigative journalist revealed alleged illicit activities related to illegal adoption and sale of babies linked to the orphanage.

Adekoye said following these revelations, NAPTIP launched a thorough investigation, culminating in the arrest of Ogo on October 3, 2023, at the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Protection, Awka, in Anambra State.

He further revealed that the accused was arraigned on a single charge, which states: “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, bought and sold a baby, a girl, aged 5 (five) months, and thereby committed an offense punishable under Section 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act ), 2015″. Clara Ogo reportedly pleaded not guilty.

Subsequently, the presiding judge granted her bail with one surety of N1.3 million and two sureties of the same amount, and she was remanded in custody at the Onitsha Correctional Center pending his bail conditions are met.

The case was adjourned until July 10, 2024 for trial, and his orphanage is sealed

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

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