Ondo State Security Network Agency operatives, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have rescued 10-year-old Eriponmile Omolewo from a syndicate involved in child trafficking and organ harvesting.
The boy was abducted from the Ijoka area of Akure, the state capital, and traced to a hospital in eastern Nigeria, where he had already been declared medically fit for organ removal before his rescue.
Amotekun Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye confirmed the operation, stating that the corps acted swiftly after receiving a distress call from the boy’s community.
“We received a distress call from the Ijoka Davog area that Eriponmile had been kidnapped. Within 48 hours, our indicators showed he was already outside the state,” Adeleye said. “We deployed our dragnet and plainclothes operatives. By the grace of God, we were able to locate him in a hospital in the East and safely bring him back to be reunited with his parents.”
Adeleye disclosed that several suspects linked to the trafficking ring have been arrested, including Amaka Ngozi, Ifeanyi, Adaeze Kenneth, Etose, Omolara, and two others still at large. He revealed that the syndicate had been operating for a long time, kidnapping children for rituals and organ trade.
In a disturbing confession, 35-year-old Amaka Kenneth admitted her involvement in the illegal operation.
“I used to sell clothes before my husband died. Now I take babies to a motherless babies’ home in Onitsha and sell each for ₦500,000,” she said.
Another woman, whose full identity was not disclosed, confessed to selling her own child.
“I gave them my son — Jessica, Segun, and Ojo. I sold my one-year-old baby for ₦500,000. But after tests, they said he was AS genotype and couldn’t be used,” she revealed.
The rescued boy’s father, Mr. Eriseun Omolewo, expressed gratitude to the Ondo State Government and Amotekun for their swift action.
“We had been searching for my son since last Tuesday. Today, to the glory of God, they called to say he had been found. I appreciate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Amotekun for their effort,” he said.