Three arrested over child theft in Ogun

File. A Nigerian Policeman

Detectives attached to Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have nabbed three women suspected to belong to a child-stealing syndicate.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement shared by the command on its X page on Friday.

The police identified the three arrested suspects as Kikelomo Jimoh (36), Kayode Elizabeth, and Blessing Anochike (60), adding that three children in connection with the case were rescued.

The statement read, “The breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing, which led to the arrest of Kikelomo Jimoh. During investigation, the suspect allegedly confessed and led detectives to the residence of Blessing Anochike, where three children were rescued.

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“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 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 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 police said the case had since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, 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 Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives of Ibafo Division for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.