Kano Govt, NAPTIP uncovers child’s adoption chains

The Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons have uncovered a network of groups allegedly luring vulnerable women with unwanted pregnancies, adopting their children, and subsequently trafficking them to other states for sale.

A report alleging that some children were illegally taken and adopted by a staff member of Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, identified as Maryam Dauda, triggered the recent investigation.

According to preliminary findings, the children were allegedly obtained from vulnerable young girls with unwanted pregnancies and subsequently taken out of Kano State without due legal process or authorization.

The matter was later reported to NAPTIP, which immediately notified the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, who urgently intervened.

It was further alleged that the suspect illegally facilitated the adoption of the children and allegedly transferred them to the southern part of Nigeria for adoption.

The reports described the act as a violation of the children’s religious and cultural identity, as well as a breach of established legal adoption procedures.

Already, the Commissioner of the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Amina Abdullahi Sani, has taken decisive action following the reported case of alleged illegal adoption and child trafficking involving two children reportedly taken from a young woman residing in the Kwana Hudu area of Kano State.

The case was brought to the attention of the ministry by NAPTIP after reports emerged that the children were allegedly taken and illegally adopted by a staff member of Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, identified as Maryam Dauda, 45, a laboratory technician.

In response, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani promptly led a delegation of directors and senior officials from the ministry to NAPTIP’s office to ensure that appropriate steps were taken in line with the law and in the best interest of the affected children.

The two children involved in the alleged illegal adoption were subsequently brought to NAPTIP, where extensive discussions and preliminary investigations commenced among relevant stakeholders and authorities handling the matter.

The ministry further gathered allegations suggesting that some individuals exploit vulnerable young women facing unwanted pregnancies by unlawfully collecting and transporting newborn children outside Kano State for illegal adoption and possible trafficking purposes.

The commissioner strongly condemned all forms of child trafficking, illegal adoption, child abuse, exploitation, and neglect, describing such acts as inhumane, criminal, and unacceptable in Kano State.

She warned that the ministry, in collaboration with NAPTIP and other security and child protection agencies, would not tolerate any individual or group found engaging in activities that violate the rights, dignity, religious identity, and welfare of children.

Hajiya Amina reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf to protecting children and vulnerable persons across the state.

She also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities relating to child trafficking, illegal adoption, abuse, or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

The commissioner assured the public that further investigations are ongoing and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.