On Monday, a court in Awka, Anambra State, ordered two reverend sisters to jail for their role in illegal child adoption.
Beyond Boders reports that the two women, 42-year-old Reverend Sister Angela Onyenachi Ibe and 41-year-old Reverend Sister Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne, were charged with fraud and illegal dealings with children.
The charges against them include conspiracy and pretending to adopt children legally, which is punishable under Anambra State law. When the charges were read, both women said they were not guilty.
The sisters who work at Sam Damian Community Children’s and Old People’s Home in Obosi, Anambra State, claimed they come from Imo State.
Their lawyer asked the court to release them on bail, arguing that they are church workers and would attend all court hearings. However, Chief Magistrate Genevieve C. Osakwe denied the bail request. She expressed concern about the growing problem of illegal child adoption in Anambra State and urged police to take action against those running illegal children’s homes.
The court adjourned the case to May 29 and June 26, 2024, for further hearings. The sisters will remain in jail at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka until then.
