The Stanel Group and the Stanley Uzochukwu Foundation have announced their immediate and total disassociation from Jofin Orphanage Home in Rukuba, Jos, following reports of alleged child abuse involving the orphanage’s operators.
The announcement was made during an emergency press briefing on Wednesday by the Group Legal Officer, Bar. Chukwuemeka Okeke, who addressed journalists alongside the General Manager of Stanel Group Jos, Dr. Kevin Akwarandu, and Operations Manager, Mrs. Precious Ibekwe.
“We cannot, in good conscience, remain associated with an institution facing such grave allegations,” Okeke declared. He said the directive to pull out came from the CEO of Stanel Group and patron of the Foundation, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu.
Okeke explained that the Foundation’s engagement with the orphanage—including a major humanitarian intervention on July 31, 2025—was strictly geared toward improving the children’s welfare. The intervention included a feeding program, educational assistance, significant renovations, and the installation of ICT and security infrastructure.
However, he said, recent disturbing reports from concerned individuals prompted the group to withdraw all support and call for government authorities to investigate the home.
“The calls we received were very touching,” he noted when asked whether the organization’s decision was premature. “We don’t have full details of the allegations, but as a responsible group, we have reported to the authorities and stepped aside to allow proper investigation. If there are no issues, nothing stops us from working with them in the future.”
Okeke stressed that the Foundation is not the owner, operator, or manager of Jofin Orphanage Home and “vehemently debunks any rumors suggesting otherwise.”
He confirmed that the group has officially written to the Plateau State Police Command, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, urging them to launch a full-scale probe into the orphanage’s operations.
Despite the withdrawal, he emphasized that the children remain their primary concern.
“Our hearts go out to the smart and promising children at the orphanage,” he said. “Their well-being and future are what matter most.”
The Stanel Group reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of children across Nigeria, insisting that there can be no compromise in the fight against abuse and exploitation.
