Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, a Delta State-based human rights activist and member of the Take It Back Movement, has submitted a petition to the United Nations Office in Abuja, seeking international intervention in an alleged child trafficking and illegal adoption scandal involving Delta State officials.

The petition, dated August 16, 2024, was addressed to Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and the Head of the United Nations Country Teams in Abuja. Aghogho’s petition, acknowledged by the UN House registry and reviewed by South-South PUNCH, outlines a complex network of corruption and misconduct surrounding child trafficking investigations in Delta State.

Aghogho’s petition accuses UNICEF Nigeria’s Child Protection Chief and Representative of gross misconduct. Despite providing evidence, Aghogho claims that the UNICEF Office of Internal Audit and Investigations in New York cleared the implicated staff members and suggested sharing the information with other UN bodies. He pointed out limitations and jurisdictional issues in addressing such cases, calling for international court intervention.

The petition also alleges that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recognized violations of the Child Rights Act and Delta State’s adoption laws by state government officials, driven by financial motives. Additionally, the National Population Commission has reported that the Delta State Adopted Children Register has been missing since 1991.

Aghogho claims that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, and the State Security Service have been involved in falsifying investigation reports to protect suspects, including serving and retired judges. This, he argues, has undermined transparency and trust, making it difficult to hold those accountable for their actions.

Aghogho’s petition demands the creation of a special task force to investigate and address the alleged child trafficking and illegal adoption in Delta State. He calls for forensic evaluations of Adoption Orders and court records, protection for victims and whistleblowers, and increased transparency and accountability.

The petition also requests an extension of the investigation to include operations of certain institutions acting as ‘orphanage homes,’ illegal dealings with children by the Nigeria Police Force’s Juvenile Welfare Centre, and activities of the Child Development Department of the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, as well as the Delta State judiciary.

Aghogho urges the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to take urgent action, citing key UN treaties against illegal adoption and child trafficking, to which Nigeria is a signatory. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive investigation to address systemic issues and protect the rights and welfare of children in Delta State.