The Children, Sexual, and Gender-based Violence Court convened in Awka, Anambra State, on Monday, to address allegations against two Reverend Sisters accused of involvement in illegal dealings and fraudulent adoption practices concerning children.
The accused, Reverend Sisters Angela Onyenachi Ibe, 42, and Reverend Sister Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne, 41, faced a four-count charge including conspiracy and obtaining by pretense, as stipulated under sections 495(a) and 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, the Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991. Additionally, they were charged with illegal dealings with children and fraudulent adoption, violations punishable under Section 30(2)(b) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.
Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the charges during the arraignment. They clarified that they hailed from Imo State and were affiliated with the St. Francis of Compassion, a Catholic Congregation in Imo. Furthermore, they disclosed their roles as 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 argued for the defendants’ release, emphasizing their status as reverend sisters of a first-generation church and their commitment to attending court proceedings diligently.
However, the Presiding Chief Magistrate, Genevieve C. Osakwe, deemed the grounds for the bail application weak and incompatible with the law. Expressing concern over the surge in illegal adoption and child-related offenses in Anambra State, she urged security agencies, particularly the police, to intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting individuals associated with illegal community children’s and old people’s homes.
The case was adjourned to May 29 and June 26, 2024, for further proceedings. The defendants were remanded at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Awka pending the next hearing.
