The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three women over an alleged child-stealing operation in Ibafo and rescued three children, including a 14-year-old girl allegedly sold for N500,000.
The suspects: Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60, were arrested by detectives attached to Ibafo Division following a sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the investigation led to the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed and subsequently took detectives to the residence of Anochike, where the three children were rescued.
Babaseyi said the children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted. The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Rebecca are also being investigated.
The children were rescued and are now safe, while the suspects remain in police custody.
The spokesman added that the case had 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 who may be connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
He stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their swift response and investigative diligence.
Babaseyi said the Commissioner also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from criminal networks.
He said the Command remained proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.
Babaseyi urged parents, guardians, neighbours, community leaders, schools, transport operators and other members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements or any activity suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of a child.
He said, “A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe.”
The police urged members of the public to provide credible information and report emergencies through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.
The Command said the investigation was ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged operation and identify any other persons connected to the case.
