Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The police have arrested three women suspected of belonging to a child-stealing gang and rescued three children during an intelligence-led operation in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The suspects were identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babasiyi, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Friday, saying detectives attached to the Ibafo Division began the investigation after receiving a report of child stealing.
According to the command, sustained investigation led to Jimoh’s arrest. During interrogation, she allegedly provided information that took detectives to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were found.
“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 rescued children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the circumstances involving the three children were different. Police said Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had previously left his parents’ home, was later allegedly abducted.
The circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and how she came into the custody of the suspects remain under investigation.
“The swift intervention of the Police ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe. The suspects remain in custody,” the command said.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a discreet and comprehensive investigation to establish what happened, determine the roles of the arrested suspects and identify any other persons connected to the alleged child-stealing operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ibafo detectives for their response and investigative work, assuring residents that the command would continue targeting 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 members of the public to promptly report unexplained child disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements and any activity suggesting child sale, abduction or exploitation.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” he said.
