By Fanayajo Ranti Margaret
The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled a suspected three-member child-stealing syndicate in Ibafo, leading to the arrest of three women and the rescue of three children.
The suspects identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60, were arrested by detectives attached to the Ibafo Police Division following an intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
According to the Command, the investigation commenced with the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed during interrogation and subsequently led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where three children were rescued.
The rescued children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, 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 Police said the timely intervention of its operatives ensured that the three children were rescued safely, while the suspects remain in custody.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences, determining the individual roles of the suspects and identifying other persons who may be connected to the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commended the detectives of Ibafo Division for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.
Ojajuni assured residents that the Command would remain proactive and determined in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.
He urged parents, guardians, community leaders, school authorities, transport operators, neighbours and 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 children.
The Commissioner stressed that “a child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility,” urging residents to embrace the Command’s safety message: “See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe.”
Members of the public can provide credible information or seek emergency assistance through the following numbers:
Gateway Shield Toll-Free: 0800 000 9111
Emergency Lines: 09164859299, 09154293464