NAPTIP takes orphanage owner to court for human trafficking in Anambra

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, an 83-year-old woman and founder of the famous Arrow of God orphanage in Anambra State.

The arraignment took place at the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice Hauwa Yilwa, for allegations of 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 Local Government Area of ​​Anambra State with branches in Lagos State.

The Arrow of God Orphanage came under scrutiny in 2023 after an investigative journalist revealed alleged illicit activities related to the illegal adoption and sale of babies linked to the orphanage.

Following these revelations, NAPTIP launched an in-depth investigation, culminating 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, Awka, State of Anambra.

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), on 6 July 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 Article 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 was sealed

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