Three children have been rescued and three women arrested over their alleged involvement in a suspected child-stealing operation in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The suspects, identified by the Ogun State Police Command as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60, were arrested following an intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, detectives attached to the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters arrested Jimoh during the investigation.
Police alleged that Jimoh confessed during interrogation and subsequently led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where the three children were found and rescued.
The rescued children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
Preliminary findings by investigators indicate that the circumstances surrounding the children’s presence with the suspects were not the same.
Police said Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan had earlier absconded from his parents before he was allegedly abducted.
“The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation,” the command said.
The police intervention resulted in the three children being rescued, with the command stating that they were safe and that the suspects remained in custody.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
According to the command, investigators at the SCID will work to establish the full circumstances of the alleged offences, determine the individual roles played by the suspects and identify any other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended detectives attached to the Ibafo Division for what he described as their swift response and investigative diligence.
Ojajuni assured residents that the command would continue efforts to detect and dismantle criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.
He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant over the safety and whereabouts of children, while calling on community leaders, schools, transport operators and other members of the public to report suspicious activities involving minors.
The police commissioner specifically urged residents to report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements and activities suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of children.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” the command quoted Ojajuni as saying.
The Ogun State Police Command also urged residents to provide credible information and report emergencies through its Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or its emergency numbers, 09164859299 and 09154293464.
Police stressed that the investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to establish the wider circumstances of the case and determine whether other individuals were involved.
