The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed Divine Hope Orphanage and Less Privileged Home in Kagini, Abuja, over alleged involvement in illegal child trafficking and other child welfare violations.
The Director of Child Development at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Idris Attah, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday. He said authorities closed the facility to allow for a comprehensive investigation into its operations.
According to the statement, the proprietress of the orphanage, Grace Ebele Chibuzor, allegedly absconded with an unspecified number of children to an unknown location without informing the Child Development Department of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.
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“This is to inform FCT residents and the general public that Divine Hope Orphanage and Less Privileged Home, Kagini, Abuja, has been sealed with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the conclusion of investigations into its activities concerning children,” the statement said.
Preliminary findings have linked the orphanage to a recent case involving four siblings allegedly taken from Ado in Nasarawa State and relocated to Gwagwalada in the FCT. The children Joefreey Kasal Asoja, 11, David Mtsewe Asoja, 7, Joy Elsan Asoja, 4, and Joseph Asoja, 2, were reunited with their biological parents on Monday.
Investigators also uncovered an alleged link between the orphanage and Anderson Archibong, the Executive Secretary of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria, who is currently at large.
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Authorities believe the connection may have enabled the illegal movement of children from states including Benue and Nasarawa into Abuja for unauthorised fostering and adoption.
Attah urged members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the missing children or suspects to report immediately to the nearest security agency.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
