By In a startling development, the Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, has remanded two reverend sisters from a first-generation church (name withheld) for their alleged involvement in illegal dealings and fraudulent adoption of children.
The accused, identified as 42-year-old Reverend Sister Angela Onyenachi Ibe and 41-year-old Mother-General Reverend Sister Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne, were arraigned on Monday on a four-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, obtaining by pretense (punishable under sections 495(a) and 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, the Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991), illegal dealings with children, and fraudulent adoption (punishable under Section 30(2)(b) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004).
During the arraignment, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the offenses. When questioned, they revealed that they hailed from Imo State and were staff members and attendants at the Sam Damian Community Children’s and Old People’s Home in Obosi, Anambra State.
The defense counsel submitted a bail application on behalf of the reverend sisters, arguing that they would religiously attend their trials whenever summoned by the court due to their affiliation with a first-generation church.
However, Presiding Chief Magistrate Genevieve C. Osakwe deemed the grounds for the bail application weak and unrecognized by law. She expressed deep concern over the increasing number of illegal adoption and child trafficking cases in Anambra State. The magistrate called upon security agencies, particularly the police, to intensify their efforts in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all individuals involved in the management of illegal community children’s and old people’s homes throughout the state.
The case has been adjourned to May 29 and June 26, 2024, for a definite hearing. In the meantime, the court has ordered the defendants to be remanded at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka, Anambra State.
This disturbing case has shed light on the alarming issue of child trafficking and illegal adoption in Nigeria. The involvement of reverend sisters in such criminal activities has shocked the community and raised questions about the vulnerability of children in care homes.
As the case progresses, it is hoped that justice will be served and that the authorities will take stringent measures to protect children from exploitation and ensure their well-being. The outcome of this case may serve as a precedent for future cases involving illegal adoption and child trafficking in Nigeria, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
The public awaits further developments in this case, as well as the broader efforts by law enforcement and child protection agencies to combat the scourge of child trafficking and illegal adoption in Anambra State and beyond.
