Detectives attached to the Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested three women suspected to be members of a child-stealing syndicate and rescued three children in connection with the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni,

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babasayi, the suspects were identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60. He said the breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.

The investigation led to the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed to the crime and subsequently took detectives to the residence of Anochike, where the three children were rescued.

The children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12. Preliminary findings revealed that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.

The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also being investigated.

The police said the timely intervention of its operatives ensured the safe rescue of the three children, adding that the suspects remain in custody.

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 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, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

The CP reassured residents that the Command remains proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society.

He further urged parents, guardians, neighbours, community leaders, schools, transport operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any unexplained disappearance, suspicious movement, unusual custody arrangement or activity suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of a child.

The Command reiterated that the safety of children is a collective responsibility and urged members of the public to report credible information to the police.

For emergencies and credible information, members of the public can contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield Toll-Free number: 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.