Human Trafficking: NAPTIP Arraigns 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 by the agency’s communications officer, Adekoye Vincent on Sunday, June 2, the 83-year-old woman is facing charges over the alleged buying and selling of human beings for any purpose.

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

“Clara Ogo, a retired Nigerian Army Lt. Col, and a nurse, owns the orphanage located at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi L.G.A., Anambra State, with branches in Lagos State.

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“The Arrow of God Orphanage 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.

“The defendant was arraigned on a one-count 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 6th, 2023 at the above address within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did buy and sell a baby, female, 5(Five) months old, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Sections 21 of the trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015”. Clara Ogo pleaded not guilty to the charge.

“The presiding judge 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 fulfilment of her bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to July 10, 2024, for trial.

“Meanwhile, the orphanage has been sealed.”