By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
A suspected case of child trafficking disguised as a legal adoption has been uncovered in Imo State.
The incident, which reportedly took place between March and June 2025, was exposed following a whistleblower’s report that contradicted an earlier claim by the mother that her newborn had died at birth. Investigations later revealed that the baby had been sold under the pretense of adoption through the orphanage.
The case was documented by the Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG), a civil society organization advocating for women and child rights, led by Marjorie N. Ezihe, the group’s Executive Coordinator.
According to the SWAG report, “the young mother, Mercy Okoro, was lured into the illegal arrangement while in financial distress after her partner, Mr. Sunday Elias Michael, was detained by police in March 2025.
“During this vulnerable period, Madam Uzoka, an orphanage operator, allegedly approached Mercy with an offer of ₦1.5 million to “start afresh” in exchange for her unborn baby.
“Mercy later gave birth to a baby boy on June 20, 2025, at Watergate Hospital, Orji, Owerri North. The following day, she was taken to the orphanage by Uzoka, where the baby was taken away and never returned to her.
“She stayed a week at the orphanage to recover before returning home. She was instructed to tell her partner that she had given birth to a baby girl who died and was already buried by relatives,” the report stated.
“The deception went unnoticed until neighbors began questioning the conflicting accounts of the baby’s supposed death. A concerned citizen then alerted the police, leading to a deeper investigation.
“Following the report, the Orji Police Division, under DPO Oti Kennedy, swung into action alongside representatives of SWAG, civil society, and the media.
“Mercy Okoro was arrested and, under questioning, confessed to the cover-up and identified Madam Uzoka as the mastermind behind the trafficking operation.
“The police investigation has so far uncovered evidence suggesting that the child was unlawfully sold and falsely documented as an adoption.
“Law enforcement officers reportedly resisted bribery attempts made to suppress the case. “The DPO, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police and legal advisors, maintained due process and insisted on justice,” SWAG noted.
“As of Monday, October 3, 2025, Madam Charity Uzoka remains in police custody at the Orji Police Station. She has reportedly been uncooperative and manipulative during questioning. Investigators have demanded official adoption records from her orphanage, which she has yet to provide.
“The trafficked infant has not yet been recovered, prompting further investigation by the Gender Unit of the Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Family Court.
“Meanwhile, Mercy Okoro is under protective monitoring and receiving psychosocial counseling facilitated by SWAG and allied organizations.
“The exposure has drawn strong reactions from child rights advocates under the OÑÚRÚBÉ Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence, including:
“Virgin Heart Foundation, HARCO Development Media, SALTI Initiative, Davidson Nwosu (Odumodu)
“The coalition is calling for systemic reform and justice for victims of child exploitation and trafficking rings operating under the guise of adoption services.
“The report outlined multiple rights violations, including: Child’s Right to Identity and Family (Article 7, CRC), Protection from Sale or Trafficking (Article 35, CRC), Freedom from Exploitation and Deceit (Trafficking in Persons Act, 2015), Right to Parental Care (Nigeria Child Rights Act, 2003)”.
SWAG therefore called for: Immediate prosecution of Madam Charity Uzoka and accomplices, An independent audit of Care of the Child Orphanage’s records, Protection and rehabilitation for Mercy Okoro and her children, Government oversight on orphanage licensing and adoption processes.
Others include – Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about illegal adoption schemes, Commendation for ethical officers like DPO Oti Kennedy and social workers involved in the case.
According to them,“This case represents a grave abuse of Nigeria’s child protection laws and the exploitation of vulnerable women under the pretense of adoption,” said SWAG Executive Coordinator, Marjorie N. Ezihe.
She emphasized that the case not only exposes corruption in the adoption system but also demonstrates the impact of collaboration between ethical law enforcement and vigilant communities.
As investigations continue, civil society groups are urging the Imo State Government and federal authorities to take decisive action against trafficking networks and reform the child welfare system to prevent future abuses.