The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has arraigned one Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, an 83-year-old woman and founder of the renowned Arrow of God Orphanage in Anambra State, for human trafficking.
She was arraigned before Hon. Justice Hauwa Yilwa, of the Federal High Court in Awka on one count bordering on buying and selling of human beings for any purpose.
A statement on Sunday by NAPTIP’s Communications Officer, Adekoye Vincent, said the accused is a nurse and retired Lt. Col in the Nigerian Army, and owner of the orphanage home located at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, with branches in Lagos State.
Vincent explained that the Arrow of God Orphanage home came under scrutiny in 2023 after an investigative journalist exposed alleged illicit activities related to illegal adoption and sales of babies 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.”
He added that the she was subsequently, arraigned on a one-count charge, which read: “That you Ogo Chinwe Clara Deborah (F) 83 Years old, of 66 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State and others (at large), on July 6th, 2023 at the above address within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did buy and sell a baby, female, 5 (Five) months old, and thereby committed an offense punishable under Sections 21 of the trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
When the charge was read to her understanding, Ogo pleaded not guilty.
The presiding judge, the statement indicated 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 case has been adjourned to July 10, 2024, for trial.
“Meanwhile, the orphanage has been sealed.”
