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Three children, Christiana Olowokere, Olamilekan Abdurusheed, Adeniji Rebecca, have been rescued after detectives of the Ogun State Police Command busted a three-member suspected child-stealing gang in Ibafo area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi disclosed this in a Friday statement.
Babaseyi said operatives attached to Ibafo Division arrested Kikelomo Jimoh, ‘F’, 36; Kayode Elizabeth, ‘F’; and Blessing Anochike, ‘F’, 60 following a sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
According to the statement, the breakthrough came after the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed during interrogation and led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where three children were rescued.
The police identified the rescued children as Christiana Olowokere, ‘F’, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, ‘M’, 16, and
Rebecca Adeniji, ‘F’, 12.
Babaseyi said preliminary findings indicated that Olowokere was allegedly sold for ₦500,000.
Abdurusheed, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.
The command spokesman stated that the circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji are also under investigation.
He noted that the swift intervention of the police ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe, while the suspects remain in custody.
Babaseyi further disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta for discreet and comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances, determine the individual roles of the suspects, and identify other persons connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives of Ibafo Division for their swift response and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.
He reassured residents that the command remains resolute in “detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society.”
Ojajuni also called on parents, guardians, schools, transport operators and the public to remain vigilant and report any unexplained disappearance, suspicious movement, or unusual custody arrangement.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” he said.
For emergencies and credible information, the command can be reached via: Gateway Shield Toll-Free: 0800 000 9111.
Emergency Numbers: 09164859299, 09154293464.
