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 were identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babasiyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the police, detectives attached to the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters arrested Jimoh following an intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
The police said Jimoh allegedly confessed during questioning and subsequently led investigators to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were found.
The rescued children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier left his parents’ home, was allegedly abducted later.
The circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody are still being investigated by the police.
The command said the children had been rescued and were now safe, while the suspects remained in custody.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation to establish the full circumstances, determine the roles of the suspects and identify any other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ibafo detectives for their response and investigative efforts.
Ojajuni also urged parents, guardians, schools, community leaders, transport operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children.
