Three children have been rescued in Ogun State after police detectives uncovered an alleged child-stealing network in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area; this has led to the arrest of three women suspected of involvement in the operation.
The breakthrough has also brought to light an alleged transaction in which one of the rescued children was reportedly sold for ₦500,000, according to preliminary findings by the Ogun State Police Command.
The suspects were identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.
The command said detectives from the Ibafo Division made the arrests while probing a reported case of child stealing. Jimoh was first taken into custody during the inquiry and allegedly provided information that led investigators to Anochike’s residence where the three children were found.
The rescued minors were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
According to the police, preliminary findings showed that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000. Olamilekan, who had previously left his parents’ home, was later allegedly abducted.
The circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody have yet to be established.
“The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation,” the police said.
The children were rescued safely and placed in protective custody, while the suspects were detained pending further investigation.
The matter has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta where investigators are expected to establish how the alleged operation functioned, determine the specific roles played by the suspects, and trace any other individuals connected to the suspected network.
The investigation could also provide answers to vital questions surrounding the children’s movements, including how they came under the control of the suspects and whether other victims may have passed through the alleged syndicate.
Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the Ibafo detectives for their handling of the case.
He cited their “swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons” as factors behind the rescue operation.
Ojajuni said the command would intensify efforts to detect and dismantle criminal networks targeting vulnerable people.
He also appealed to parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators, and residents to pay close attention to unusual activities involving children and promptly alert the authorities.
The commissioner specifically highlighted unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, and unusual custody arrangements as warning signs that should attract immediate attention.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See something. Say something. Stay safe,” the command said.
At the time of filing this report, the police operation has brought the rescued children out of an alleged chain of unlawful custody. As for the investigators, the case has just begun.
The next stage will be to establish the full network behind the alleged transactions, determine whether more children were affected, and gather sufficient evidence to support any charges brought before the courts.
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