The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says Christopher Nwoye, owner of the Happy Home Orphanage in Asaba, Delta State, has voluntarily surrendered to the agency after weeks of evading arrest.
This development follows the agency’s earlier statements on September 17 and 26, which declared Nwoye wanted over allegations of child trafficking and illegal adoption practices.
Nwoye Surrenders After Weeks on the Run
NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Mr. Vincent Adekoye, confirmed in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that Nwoye appeared at the agency’s headquarters in the company of his lawyer and several women claiming ownership of some of the rescued children.
“Mr. Christopher Nwoye gave himself up today when he arrived at NAPTIP headquarters, Abuja, in the company of his lawyer and some women,” Adekoye said.
He added that four women who had claimed to be mothers of some of the children found at the facility are currently being interrogated by the agency.
Over 70 Children Rescued in June Raid
According to NAPTIP, more than 70 children were discovered during a raid on the orphanage in June 2025, following reports that the facility allegedly housed stolen children from Kano, Gombe, and other northern states.
Among those rescued were 15 newborn babies, including eight infants believed to have been trafficked from northern Nigeria.
Adekoye said that several of the rescued children were allegedly bought or transferred illegally to the orphanage and are now in protective custody receiving proper care.
Agency Denies Abduction Allegations
Responding to claims circulating on social media, NAPTIP Director-General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, clarified that the agency’s actions were entirely lawful and carried out under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.
“The rescue operation at Happy Home Orphanage was not an abduction. NAPTIP does not engage in such acts,” she said.
“Our mandate empowers us to investigate, rescue, and prosecute cases of trafficking, abduction, and related offences.”
Adamu-Bello emphasized that Nwoye’s surrender would allow for a full-scale investigation to determine the extent of his involvement and that of others connected to the case.
DNA Testing to Determine True Parentage
The NAPTIP boss revealed that the agency will conduct DNA tests and other forensic investigations to establish the true parentage of the children in question.
“The women who refused to respond to our earlier invitations are now in custody and are being interrogated to substantiate their claims,” she said.
“This matter will be thoroughly investigated before any decision is taken regarding the children’s custody.”
Adamu-Bello also clarified that the children are not being coerced into any religious practice, stressing that NAPTIP remains neutral and focused on protecting the children’s rights and welfare.
Children in Safe Custody
NAPTIP confirmed that all rescued children are currently receiving comprehensive care in the agency’s protective shelters, pending the conclusion of investigations.
“The children are safe, well cared for, and under constant supervision,” Adamu-Bello assured.
Key Facts
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Over 70 children rescued from Happy Home Orphanage in Asaba.
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15 newborn babies found; 8 traced to Kano and Gombe States.
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Christopher Nwoye, the orphanage owner, surrendered to NAPTIP in Abuja.
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Four women claiming parenthood of rescued children are being questioned.
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DNA tests to be conducted to verify biological relationships.
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NAPTIP reiterates that its rescue was lawful and in line with the 2015 Trafficking Act.
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