Christopher Ogugua Nwoye, owner of Happy Home Orphanage in Asaba, Delta State, has surrendered to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) following allegations that his orphanage housed children stolen from northern Nigeria.
NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed the development in a statement released on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Abuja. He said Nwoye is now being interrogated over the children recently rescued from his facility.
According to Adekoye, four women who claimed to be mothers of some of the rescued children are also being questioned. The agency’s raid on the orphanage in June uncovered more than 70 children, including 15 newborn babies.
“Eight of the babies were traced to Kano and Gombe and confirmed to have been stolen,” Adekoye said. He explained that “Mr Christopher Nwoye gave himself up today when he arrived at the NAPTIP Headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by his lawyer and some women.”
Nwoye had previously ignored multiple invitations from the agency after the June raid, during which eight stolen children were identified by one of the parents who accompanied NAPTIP operatives to Asaba.
NAPTIP Denies Religious Conversion Claims
Speaking to journalists, NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, dismissed rumours that the agency abducted or converted the rescued children to another religion. She said the rescue mission was “an intelligence-driven operation” backed by law.
“It is important to restate that the rescue operation by NAPTIP operatives at Happy Home Orphanage was not an abduction, as the agency does not engage in such a condemnable act,” she stated.
She added that the action was carried out under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, which empowers the agency to investigate, rescue, and prosecute trafficking and abduction cases.
“It is very important that Mr Nwoye is now in our facility in connection with the alleged stolen children traced to his orphanage. His presence is crucial to the ongoing investigation,” Adamu-Bello said.
Children Under Protection
The NAPTIP boss confirmed that all rescued children are now in protective custody and receiving proper care. She stressed that “none of the children is being forced to embrace another religion.”
According to her, the four women claiming to be the biological mothers of the children are being interrogated to verify their claims.
“This case will be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth, including the conduct of DNA tests before a final decision is taken on the parenthood of the children involved,” Adamu-Bello added.
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While it’s true that no crime can be completely eradicated, effective investigation and prosecution of suspects serve as crucial deterrents and preventive measures. Holding individuals accountable for their actions sends a strong message and contributes to a safer society. By taking these steps, we can mitigate the impact of crime and create a more just environment.