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, Awka Judicial Division, for allegedly buying and selling human beings.
A statement issued on Sunday by NAPTIP’s Communications Officer, Adekoye Vincent, revealed that the accused Clara Ogo, is a retired Nigerian Army Lt. Col and a nurse.
According to the statement, the orphanage is located at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, with branches in Lagos State.
Vincent explained that the orphanage came under scrutiny in 2023 after an investigative journalist exposed alleged illicit activities related to the illegal adoption and sale 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,” Vincent said.
He added that the suspect was subsequently arraigned on one count bordering on human trafficking.
The count reads: “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, Ogo pleaded not guilty.
The statement indicated that 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 was adjourned to July 10, 2024, for trial.
“Meanwhile, the orphanage has been sealed,” the statement said.
