NAPTIP indicts 83-year-old founder of “Arrow Of God Orphanage”

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arraigned the founder of Arrow of God Orphanage, Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, in Anambra State.

According to a statement released on Sunday (June 2) by the agency's communications officer, Adekoye Vincent, the 83-year-old woman faces charges for the alleged buying and selling of human beings for any purpose.

The statement read: “The arraignment took place before the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Judge Hauwa Yilwa. Ogo faces charges of allegedly buying and selling human beings for any purpose.

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

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“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 .

“Following these revelations, NAPTIP launched an in-depth investigation, resulting in the arrest of Ogo on October 3, 2023, at 3:10 p.m., at the premises of the Ministry of Women and Social Protection, in Awka, in the Anambra State.

“The accused was arraigned on a single charge, which states: “That you Ogo Chinwe Clara Deborah (F) 83 years, of 66 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State and others (at large), the July 6, 2023. at the above address within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, bought and sold a baby, a woman, aged 5 (five) months, and thereby committed an offense punishable under the section 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.” Clara Ogo has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

“The presiding judge granted her bail with one surety of N1.3 million and two sureties of equal amount. She was then remanded in custody at the Onitsha Correctional Center pending her bail conditions being fulfilled. The matter was adjourned until July 10, 2024 for trial.

“Meanwhile, the orphanage has been sealed.”