Anambra Court Remands Catholic Reverend Sisters Over Alleged N5m Illegal Adoption Scandal

Two Reverend Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church have been remanded by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court of Anambra State over allegations of illegal adoption of babies.

The accused, identified as Angela Onyenachi Ibe (42) and Mother-General, Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne (41), faced a four-count charge including conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, and illegal dealings on children. These charges are punishable under sections 495(a) and 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, of the Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as well as under section 30(2)(b) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.

The prosecution revealed that the defendants allegedly collected substantial amounts of money, ranging from N4 million to N1,500,000, deposited into a Zenith Bank account belonging to the Sam Damian Community Children’s and Old People’s Home, under false pretenses of facilitating adoptions for the complainants.

Despite the grave allegations, the defendants pleaded not guilty, asserting their affiliation with the St. Francis of Compassion Catholic congregation based in Imo State, where they also hailed from. They claimed to be staff members at the Sam Damian Community Children’s and Old People’s Home in Obosi, Anambra State.

During a bail application, the Defense Counsel emphasized the religious dedication of the defendants and pledged their commitment to attending trial proceedings.

However, Presiding Chief Magistrate Genevieve C. Osakwe dismissed the bail application, describing its grounds as weak and inconsistent with the law. She expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of illegal adoption and child trafficking in Anambra State, urging law enforcement agencies, particularly the Police, to intensify efforts in apprehending and prosecuting individuals involved in the management of illicit Community Children’s and Old People’s Homes.

The case has been adjourned for further hearings on May 29 and June 26, 2024. Meanwhile, the court has ordered the defendants to be remanded at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka.