The Stanel Group and the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation have formally announced their immediate disengagement from Jofin Orphanage Home in Rukuba, Jos, following reports of alleged child abuse within the facility.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Jos during an impromptu press briefing addressed by the Group Legal Officer of Stanel Group, Bar. Chukwuemeka Okeke, alongside the General Manager of Stanel Group Jos, Dr. Kevin Akwarandu, and the Operations Manager, Mrs. Precious Ibekwe.
Okeke said the group acted under the directive and full support of its CEO and foundation patron, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, to sever all ties with the orphanage pending an official investigation by relevant authorities.
According to him, the Foundation’s involvement with Jofin Orphanage had been purely humanitarian, culminating in a major intervention on July 31, 2025. The intervention included a feeding program, educational support, extensive renovations, and the installation of modern ICT and security facilities to improve the welfare of the children.
He noted, however, that disturbing reports of abuse allegedly perpetrated by the operators of the home compelled the organization to take what he described as a “firm and public stand” to protect vulnerable children.
“We cannot, in good conscience, maintain any association with an institution facing such grave allegations,” Okeke said. “The Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation is not the owner, operator, or manager of Jofin Orphanage. We vehemently debunk any rumors suggesting otherwise.”
He added that all support to the orphanage has been withdrawn with immediate effect. The group has also written to the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, requesting a full-scale investigation into the home’s management and activities.
Despite the decision to withdraw, Okeke emphasized that the welfare of the children remains a top priority.
“Our hearts go out to the smart and promising children and young ones at the orphanage. Their well-being and future remain our primary concern,” he said.
When asked whether the decision to sever ties was hasty given that the allegations had not yet been verified, Okeke said the organization acted based on distressing calls it received after its last outreach in July.
“We don’t have proper details of the abuse, but the calls that came in were very touching,” he explained. “We had to report to the authorities, dissociate from them, and allow investigations to take place. If there are no issues, nothing stops us from working with them in the future.”
The Stanel Group reiterated its stance that the rights of children must be protected in line with Nigeria’s laws, adding that there can be no compromise when it comes to safeguarding the innocent from abuse and exploitation.