Ogun Police Arrest Women Suspected of Running Child-Stealing Gang

Three children have been rescued and three women arrested in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, after police busted what they describe as a child-stealing gang.

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

According to the Ogun State Police Command, their circumstances differed significantly, with preliminary findings indicating that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier run away from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.

The circumstances surrounding Rebecca's movement and custody are still under investigation.

The suspects were named as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command's Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babasiyi, said detectives attached to the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters arrested Jimoh following a sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.

‘Detectives attached to Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have busted a three-member suspected child-stealing gang, arresting Kikelomo Jimoh, 'F', 36; Kayode Elizabeth, 'F'; and Blessing Anochike, 'F', 60, while rescuing three children in connection with the case,' the statement said.

Investigators said Jimoh allegedly confessed during interrogation and led detectives to Anochike's residence, where the three children were found and rescued.

‘The swift intervention of the Police ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe. The suspects remain in custody,’ the statement added.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

‘The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances of the case, determine the individual roles of the suspects and identify any other persons connected to the alleged criminal enterprise,' the statement said.

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

The command quoted him as reassuring residents that the police would continue to target criminal networks preying on vulnerable people.

‘The CP reassures residents that the Command remains proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society,' the statement said.

Ojajuni also called on parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators and members of the public to stay alert and promptly report suspicious activity involving children, including unexplained disappearances, unusual movements and signs of exploitation.

‘A child's safety is everyone's responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,’ the statement quoted him as saying.