Mrs. Opeyemi Adegboyeya has alleged that her baby went missing while in the custody of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s Juvenile Home. She claims that the baby was taken from her when she sought treatment for schizophrenia and depression at the Ondo State Neuro-Psychiatric Specialist Hospital in Akure. After she was diagnosed with these conditions, the hospital authorities decided to take custody of her three children, including the baby, citing concerns about her ability to care for them. The baby was handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs officials. When Mrs. Adegboyeya later went to claim her baby, she was told that the child had died, but she was not provided with a death certificate. She suspects that her baby might have been sold, as she alleges that this is a common practice in the ministry, particularly for male children born to mothers with psychiatric conditions.
Mrs. Adegboyeya and her family have been seeking justice and have involved the Department of State Services (DSS) in the case. The DSS initially made arrests but later transferred the officer in charge of the investigation. Her lawyer has contacted various authorities, including the state governor and the Attorney General, but has received no response. Mrs. Adegboyeya believes that her child is still alive and is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to locate her missing son.
This case raises concerns about the welfare of children in the custody of government agencies and the need for transparency in handling such cases.