Police rescue three children, arrest suspected child-stealing gang in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has rescued three children and arrested three women suspected of belonging to a child-stealing gang in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

The suspects are Kikelomo Jimoh, 36, Kayode Elizabeth and Blessing Anochike, 60.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babasiyi, announced the arrests in a statement issued on Friday.

Detectives from the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters began an intelligence-led investigation after receiving a child-stealing report.

The investigation led detectives to Jimoh. Police arrested her and questioned her about the alleged offence.

During interrogation, Jimoh allegedly confessed and directed detectives to Anochike’s residence. The officers then rescued three children from the location.

“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.

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

Preliminary findings showed that the children came into the suspects’ custody under different circumstances.

Police alleged that someone sold Christiana for N500,000. Olamilekan had earlier left his parents before someone allegedly abducted him.

“Investigation subsequently unravelled that the children were Christiana Olowokere, ‘F’, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, ‘M’, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, ‘F’, 12.

“Preliminary findings indicate that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.”

Police investigators have not yet established how Rebecca came into the custody of the suspects.

“The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation,” it said.

Police intervention secured the rescue of the three children. The command said the children are now safe, while officers continue to hold the suspects.

“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 said.

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

Investigators will examine the circumstances surrounding the case and determine each suspect’s role.

“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.

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

The command said Ojajuni also assured residents that officers would continue to target criminal networks that exploit 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 urged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators and other residents to remain vigilant.

He asked the public to report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements and unusual custody arrangements involving children.

He also urged residents to report activities linked to the sale, abduction or exploitation of children.

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

The command urged residents to report emergencies and credible information through its Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111.

Residents can also reach the police through 09164859299 and 09154293464.