Police
The Police Command in Ogun says it has arrested three women suspected to be members of a child stealing gang and rescued three children in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Police Spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abeokuta.
Babaseyi said detectives attached to Ibafo Division arrested the suspected women, Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth, and Blessing Anochike, 60.
He said the arrest followed sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing, which led to the arrest of Jimoh.
According to him, Jimoh allegedly confessed during interrogation and led detectives to Anochike’s residence, where three children were rescued.
He said the children rescued were Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurosheed, 16; and Rebecca Adeniji, 12.
Babaseyi said preliminary investigation indicated that Olowokere was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Abdulrosheed, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was allegedly abducted.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji were still under investigation.
The spokesperson said the children had been rescued and were safe, while the suspects remained in police custody.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
“The investigation will establish the full circumstances of the case, determine the roles played by the suspects, and identify other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal enterprise,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives for their swift response and investigative diligence.
Ojajuni also urged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving children.
He reassured resident of the command’s commitment to detecting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of the society.
The commissioner however urged residents to promptly report unexplained disappearance, suspicious movement or unusual custody arrangements involving children.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See something; say something; stay safe,” he said.
