Reverend sisters remanded over illegal adoption of children

The Court in Awka, presiding Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Anambra State, took a firm stance by detaining two Reverend Sisters for alleged illegal dealings and deceptive adoption of children.

The Reverend Sisters, Angela Onyenachi Ibe, aged 42, and Mother-General, Reverend Sister Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne, 41, were arraigned on a four-count charge including conspiracy and obtaining by pretense, among others.

In defiance of pleading not guilty, the defendants were charged under sections 495(a) and 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, the Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as well as Section 30(2)(b) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.

During the arraignment, the defendants disclosed their origin from Imo State and affiliation with the St. Francis of Compassion Catholic Congregation in Imo State. They also stated their roles at the Sam Damian Community Children’s and Old People’s Home in Obosi, Anambra State.

In spite of a bail application by the defence counsel, Genevieve C. Osakwe, the Presiding Chief Magistrate, ruled against granting bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need to address the rising cases of illegal adoption and child dealings in Anambra State.

The court ordered the defendants to be detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, and prorogate the case for a definite hearing on May 29 and June 26, 2024.