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Anambra: 2 Rev Sisters arrested, detained over alleged fraudulent adoption

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Two Reverend Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church have been remanded in police custody by the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State capital.
They were remanded on Monday following the arraignment of the Reverend Sisters — Angela Onyenachi Ibe (aged 42) and Chiemelie Jacinta Yvonne (Mother-General, aged 41), on a-4 count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false 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, and illegal dealings on Children, as well as, fraudulent adoption, punishable under section 30(2)(b) of the Child’s Rights Law of Anambra State, 2004.

According to Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo; the defendants, to the satisfaction of the Honourable Court, each pleaded not guilty of the offenses when the charge was read to them.

“Responding to questions during the arraignment, the two Reverend Sisters stated that they both hailed from Imo State, and belonged to a Catholic Congregation, known as the St. Francis of Compassion, also based in Imo State; adding 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,” Ikeanyionwu said.

She added the Counsel to the defendants, in a bail application, prayed the Honourable Court to grant bail to the Reverend Sisters, on the ground that they are Reverend Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church, and would religiously attend their trials, whenever called upon to appear before the Court.

“Delivering a Ruling on the bail application, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Genevieve C. Osakwe, described the ground of bail application as very weak, and unknown to Law.

“The Honourable Court frowned at and vehemently bemoaned what she termed, the rising cases of illegal adoption and dealings on children, in Anambra State, and called on the security agencies in the state, especially, the police authorities, to extend their 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 adjourned further to the 29th day of May and 26th day of June, 2024, for definite hearing, and the Court ordered that the defendants be remanded at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka,” she said.

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

“He promised, and he delivered.”

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