Police Bust Alleged Child-Stealing Gang, Rescue Three Children in Ogun

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 Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60, according to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babasiyi.

The police said detectives attached to Ibafo Division made the breakthrough while investigating a reported case of child stealing.

Jimoh, who was initially arrested during the investigation, allegedly confessed to the crime and led detectives to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were rescued.

The rescued children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.

Preliminary findings indicated that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.

The police said the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody were still under investigation.

The three children were rescued safely and are currently in police custody, while the suspects remain detained.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a comprehensive investigation aimed at establishing the circumstances of the incident, determining the roles of the suspects and identifying other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ibafo detectives for their swift response and investigative efforts.

Ojajuni urged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children.

He also urged residents to report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements or activities suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of children.