The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three women suspected of belonging to a child-stealing syndicate and rescued three children in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects are Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babasiyi.
According to the statement, detectives from the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters began investigating the case following a report of child stealing.
The police said the investigation led to Jimoh’s arrest, after which she allegedly provided information that took detectives to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were found.
The command said, “Detectives attached to Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have busted a three-member suspected child-stealing gang.”
The rescued children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
The police said preliminary investigation showed that the circumstances surrounding each child’s presence with the suspects were different.
It alleged that Christiana was sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had previously left his parents’ home, was later allegedly abducted.
The statement quoted the police as saying, “Preliminary findings indicate that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.”
The command added that investigators were still working to determine how Rebecca came into the custody of the suspects.
“The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation,” the police said.
The children have since been rescued and are reportedly safe, while the suspects remain in police custody.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The police said the investigation would focus on establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, determining the roles allegedly played by each suspect and identifying other persons who may be connected to the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ibafo detectives for their response and investigative efforts.
Ojajuni assured residents that the command would continue to take action against criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.
He also urged parents, guardians, schools, community leaders, transport operators and other members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities involving children.
The commissioner specifically urged residents to report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements and any activity suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of children.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” the police quoted Ojajuni as saying.
The command urged members of the public with credible information or emergencies to contact its Gateway Shield toll-free line on 0800 000 9111 or its emergency lines, 09164859299 and 09154293464.
