The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) authorities seal Divine Hope Orphanage and Less Privileged Home, Kagini, Abuja, over alleged violations involving the welfare and movement of children. The facility is shut with immediate effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending a full investigation into its activities.
Officials of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat say the action follows reports that the proprietress, Mrs. Grace Ebele Chibuzor, leaves the facility with an unspecified number of children without notifying the Child Development Department, Mediaplusng.com reports. Authorities confirm that her current whereabouts, as well as those of the children, remain unknown.
Preliminary investigations link the orphanage to a recent child trafficking case involving four siblings reportedly taken from Ado in Nasarawa State to Gwagwalada in the FCT. The children—Joefreey Kasal Asoja (11), David Mtsewe Asoja (7), Joy Elsan Asoja (4), and Joseph Asoja (2)—are safely reunited with their biological parents on Monday after coordinated efforts by security agencies and child welfare officials.
Further findings also suggest alleged collaboration with Mr. Anderson Archibong, identified as the Executive Secretary of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN), who is currently at large, Mediaplusng.com reports. Investigators allege that the network facilitates the illegal movement of children from states such as Benue and Nasarawa into Abuja for unauthorized fostering and adoption.
The FCT Administration says the sealing of the orphanage is part of broader efforts to protect children and enforce compliance with child rights laws. Officials stress that all orphanages and care homes must operate within approved guidelines, including proper documentation, registration, and notification of authorities before any relocation of children.
Residents of Kagini and surrounding communities express concern over the development and call for swift action to locate the missing children. Community leaders urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children to relevant authorities.
The FCT Women Affairs Secretariat reassures the public that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law. Authorities also call on members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of Mrs. Chibuzor, the missing children, or other individuals linked to the case to report immediately to the nearest security agency.
As investigations continue, the FCT Administration reiterates its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring that care homes across the territory operate transparently and lawfully.
