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 of the state.
The suspects were identified as 36-year-old Kikelomo Jimoh, Kayode Elizabeth and 60-year-old Blessing Anochike.
The police said the arrests followed an intelligence-led investigation by detectives attached to the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters after a report of child stealing was received.
According to the command, Jimoh was arrested during the investigation and allegedly provided information that led detectives to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were found.
The rescued children were identified as 14-year-old Christiana Olowokere, 16-year-old Olamilekan Abdurusheed and 12-year-old Adeniji Rebecca.
Preliminary findings indicated that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000. Police also said Olamilekan had earlier left his parents before he was allegedly abducted, while the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody are still being investigated.
The police said the three children are now safe, while the suspects remain in custody.
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The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a detailed investigation to establish the roles allegedly played by the suspects and determine whether other people were involved.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the detectives for their swift response and urged residents to remain vigilant.
He called on parents, guardians, schools, community leaders, transport operators and other members of the public to quickly report missing children, suspicious custody arrangements, abductions or any activity suggesting child exploitation.
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