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83-Year-Old Retired Army Officer Arraigned Over Baby Trafficking Charges

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has arraigned an 83-year-old woman, Clara Chinwe Deborah Ogo, founder of the Arrow of God Orphanage in Anambra State, for alleged buying and selling of human beings for any purpose.

In a statement signed by NAPTIP’s Communication Officer, Adekoye Vincent, on Sunday, Mrs Ogo was arraigned before a Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Justice Hauwa Yilwa.

According to the statement, Clara Ogo, a retired Army Lt. Col, was arraigned on a one-count charge “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”.

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Recall that the Anambra State Government in October 2023, handed over the Founder of the Arrows of God Community Children’s Home, Onitsha, Rev D.C Ogo, to NAPTIP.

The Orphanage came under scrutiny in 2023 after investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, exposed alleged illicit activities related to illegal adoption and sales of babies linked to the orphanage.

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The statement further read, “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.”

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.

READ ALSO: Man In Police Uniform Captured On CCTV Stealing From Store [VIDEO]

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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.

Report earlier had it that the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, sealed off the Arrow of God Community Children’s Home in Onitsha, over allegations of illegal adoption and selling of children.

Obinabo led security operatives to seal off the structure after a report and documentary by Fisayo Soyombo made the rounds on social media and local television stations, alleging that the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare was involved in an illegal adoption of a baby girl alongside one of her registered homes in the state.

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Obinabo had however denied any involvement and the ministry in the illegal child adoption saga.
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Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

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The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

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Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.

The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.

‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama

‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.

He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

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“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”

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Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

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Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

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Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

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Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

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Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

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A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

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READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

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The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration

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The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.” 

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

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