Ogun Police Raid Alleged Child-Stealing Network, Rescue Three Children
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three women allegedly linked to a child-stealing syndicate and rescued three children during an intelligence-led operation in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. The suspects were identified as 36-year-old Kikelomo Jimoh, Kayode Elizabeth and 60-year-old Blessing Anochike. In a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babasiyi, the police said detectives from Ibafo Division made the breakthrough while investigating a reported case of child stealing. According to the command, Jimoh was first arrested during the investigation and allegedly confessed to the offence before leading detectives to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were found. The rescued children were identified as 14-year-old Christiana Olowokere, 16-year-old Olamilekan Abdurusheed and 12-year-old Adeniji Rebecca. Police said preliminary findings suggested that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had previously absconded from his parents, was later allegedly abducted. The circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody, the command said, remain under investigation.
The police said all three children were rescued safely and are currently in safe custody, while the suspects remain detained. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for what the command described as a discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at establishing the full circumstances of the case, determining the roles of each suspect and identifying any other individuals who may be connected to the alleged criminal enterprise. Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ibafo detectives for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons. He assured residents that the command remained proactive in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society. Ojajuni also urged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators, neighbours and other members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children, including unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements or any activity suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of a child.
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