The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development says
it has not, and will never, conspire with any organization, religious body, or government entity to compromise the rights or safety of any child in Lagos State or elsewhere.
Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry stated this in a press release obtained by Vital News on Wednesday.
Mrs Osanyintolu was reacting to a story published in The Sun newspaper of 30th June, 2025 by Rita Ugo based on a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated 16th June, 2025, from the Editor, Security News Alert, Juliana Francis.
Among the numerous allegations raised in a publication was the claim that the Lagos State Police Gender Unit and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) colluded to secretly release a 10-year-old female child to one of the claimants, who was allegedly involved in trafficking, without conducting a DNA test, even though an NGO had allegedly already covered the cost of the test.
However, the Permanent Secretary, said every action taken in this matter followed due process, including documented referrals, social investigations, court proceedings, and follow-up actions.
Full text of the PRESS RELEASE as issued by the Ministry.
“RE: LAGOS, POLICE ACCUSED OF CONSPIRING TO HAND OVER CHILD TO SUSPECTED TRAFFICKERS.
“The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has been drawn to a story published in The Sun publication on 30th June, 2025, by Rita Ugo based on a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated 16th June, 2025, from the Editor, Security News Alert, Juliana Francis.
“The request was addressed to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development through the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, with copies sent to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and the Family Social Services Unit, Igando LCDA, Alimosho.
“Among the numerous allegations raised in the publication was the claim that the Lagos State Police Gender Unit and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) colluded to secretly release a 10-year-old female child to one of the claimants, who was allegedly involved in trafficking, without conducting a DNA test, even though an NGO had allegedly already covered the cost of the test.
“To set the record straight, the Ministry categorically states that the case originated from the Juvenile Welfare Centre (JWC), Alakara, and was documented in a Police Extract dated 29th October, 2024.
“The extract revealed that the child had been physically abused by her guardian, Mrs. Ifeoma Okoye.
“In response, the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry promptly rescued the child and placed her in a registered orphanage pending further social investigation.
“Furthermore, the Ministry, through the Family Social Services Unit in Alimosho, conducted a comprehensive social investigation by visiting all relevant persons and locations mentioned in the Police Extract and referral documents.
“These included Rev. Sister Justina Nelson and Barrister Ifeanyi Mbanusi, a church member actively involved in the case.
“At no point during the investigation was any allegation of paternity dispute or child trafficking raised by any of the respondents.
“Subsequently, the child was released to Mr. and Mrs. Chikordi, presumed to be her biological parents, by Family Court 2, Ogba, on 12th March, 2025.
“This decision was based on documentation submitted by the couple, which the court accepted as sufficient proof of biological parentage.
“However, upon receiving new information indicating a potential paternity dispute, the Ministry acted promptly and appropriately.
“All parties involved were recalled to Lagos, and the case was reopened in court.
“A hearing was held on 11th June, 2025, during which the court ordered a DNA test at a designated forensic centre for all relevant parties.
“It is important to clarify that the child’s Care Order has since been reinstated. Nevertheless, due to the child’s emotional attachment to Mr. and Mrs. Chikordi, the court granted them temporary custody.
“The matter has been scheduled to return to court on 9th July, 2025.
“In light of the foregoing, the Ministry wishes to unequivocally state that:
i.It is a professional and child-centered agency, strictly guided by the Lagos State Child Rights Law 2015 (as amended), and fully committed to upholding the best interest of every child;
ii.It has not, and will never, conspire with any organization, religious body, or government entity to compromise the rights or safety of any child in Lagos State or elsewhere; and
iii.Every action taken in this matter followed due process, including documented referrals, social investigations, court proceedings, and follow-up actions.
“In conclusion, while the Ministry affirms that matters relating to prosecution, trafficking allegations, and claims of conspiracy fall within the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Police Force, which is legally mandated to investigate and prosecute such cases, members of the public are hereby encouraged to verify any conflicting information directly with the Ministry to avoid misinformation.
“As a Ministry, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the safeguarding of every child entrusted to our care.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
