The owner of Happy Home Orphanage, Asaba, Delta State, Mr. Christopher Ogugua Nwoye, has surrendered to operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Abuja, where he is currently being interrogated over the children recently rescued from the orphanage.
Also being questioned are four women from Delta State who claim to be the biological mothers of some of the rescued children.
According to National Press Officer, NAPTIP – Abuja Vincent Adekoye, Mr. Nwoye voluntarily presented himself at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, accompanied by his lawyer and the four women. Before now, he had repeatedly declined NAPTIP’s invitation for questioning regarding the ongoing investigation.
It would be recalled that NAPTIP operatives, acting on credible intelligence, had a few months ago rescued eight children allegedly stolen from Kano State after they were traced to the Asaba orphanage. The children were positively identified by one of their parents who accompanied the Agency’s operatives during the rescue operation.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, OON, dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the children were abducted or converted to another religion.
She clarified that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted lawfully under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, which empowers the Agency to investigate, rescue, and prosecute cases involving trafficking, abduction, and related offences. “It is important to restate that the rescue operation at Happy Home Orphanage was not an abduction,” Bello said. “The Agency acted within its statutory mandate to protect children and investigate suspected cases of trafficking.”
Bello confirmed that both Mr. Nwoye and the women claiming parentage of the children are currently in NAPTIP custody and are assisting with investigations. “Mr. Christopher’s presence is crucial to the ongoing investigation into the alleged stolen children traced to his orphanage,” she explained. “The women who previously ignored our invitations are now also being interviewed to verify their claims.”
She emphasised that NAPTIP remains neutral and that the rescued children are currently in protective custody, receiving proper care and support. “The children were never forced to change their religion and will not be subjected to such,” Bello assured. “A thorough investigation, including DNA testing, will determine the true parentage of the children before any final decision is made.”
Bello urged members of the public and the media to avoid spreading misinformation and allow the Agency to complete its investigation objectively and transparently.
