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The Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday remanded two reverend sisters of a church (name withheld), for fraudulent adoption of children.
Their names were Reverend Sister Angela Onyenachi Ibe, aged 42, and Mother-General, Reverend Sister Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne, aged 41.
The defendants were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtained by pretence, punishable under sections 495(a) and 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Volume II, the Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.
They were also charged with illegal dealings with children as well as fraudulent adoption, punishable under Section 30(2)(b) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.
The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the offenses.
They also added that they were staff members and attendants at the Sam Damian Community Children’s and Old People’s Home, located at Obosi in Anambra State.
In a bail application, on behalf of the defendants, the defence counsel prayed to the honourable court to grant bail to the defendants, because they were reverend sisters would religiously attend their trials, whenever called upon.
Delivering a ruling on the bail application, the Presiding Chief Magistrate, Genevieve C. Osakwe, described the ground of the bail application as very weak, and unknown to the law.
The magistrate however called for “extensive search, arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in the management of illegal community children’s and old people’s homes, across the state”.
The case was therefore adjourned further to May 29 and June 26, 2024, for a definite hearing.
