In Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, the Ogun State Police Command has rescued three children and detained three women who are accused of being part of a child-stealing group.
Kayode Elizabeth, Blessing Anochike, 60, and Kikelomo Jimoh, 36, were named as the suspects.
Oluseyi Babasiyi, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, revealed this in a statement released on Friday.
The statement claims that after a protracted intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child theft, officers from the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters detained Jimoh.
Jimoh allegedly confessed during questioning and guided officers to Anochike’s home, where three children were saved, according to the police, who said the probe resulted in Jimoh’s arrest.
According to the announcement, “Detectives assigned to the 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.”
Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12, were identified as the rescued youngsters, according to the command.
According to preliminary findings, Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, although the circumstances surrounding the three youngsters were different.
According to the statement, “Investigation later revealed that the children were Christiana Olowokere, ‘F,’ 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, ‘M,’ 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, ‘F,’ 12.”
According to preliminary investigations, Olamilekan, who had previously run away from his parents, was allegedly kidnaped after Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000.
The facts surrounding Rebecca’s movement and detention have not yet been determined, according to the authorities.
It stated, “The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation.”
The leadership declared that the youngsters were now secure and that the police action had resulted in their rescue.
“The three children were safely rescued thanks to the police’s prompt involvement. According to the statement, the suspects are still being held.
Since then, the matter has been moved to Eleweran, Abeokuta’s State Criminal inquiry Department for additional inquiry.
According to the statement, “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 any other persons connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.”
The detectives assigned to the Ibafo Division were praised by Ogun State Command Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni for their prompt response and diligent investigation.
Ojajuni was cited by the command as promising locals that the police will keep pursuing criminal networks that prey on the weak.
The statement read, “The CP assures residents that the Command remains proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting, and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society.”
Additionally, Ojajuni urged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transportation providers, and the general public to be watchful and to report any suspicious activity involving minors right away.
He asked the public to report any irregular custody arrangements, suspicious movements, and inexplicable disappearances, as well as any activity that would indicate the sale, kidnapping, or exploitation of children.
Everyone has an obligation to ensure the safety of children. He was reported in the statement as stating, “See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe.”
The command asked locals to use its emergency phones, 09164859299 and 09154293464, or its Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, to report crises and reliable information.
