Ogun Police bust child-stealing gang, rescue three children in Ibafo

By Adebola Muili

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be members of a child-stealing gang and rescued three children allegedly linked to the operation in Ibafo, Ogun State.

The suspects, identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60, were arrested by detectives attached to the Ibafo Division following an intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the breakthrough followed sustained investigation by detectives.

According to Babaseyi, the investigation led to the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed during interrogation and subsequently led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where three children were rescued.

The children were identified as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.

The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca, the Command added, were also under investigation.

The police said the three children had been rescued and were safe, while the suspects remained in custody.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

The investigation, according to the Command, is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding 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, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives of Ibafo Division for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

Ojajuni reassured residents that the Command remained proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.

He also urged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements or activities suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of children.

The Commissioner stressed the need for collective vigilance in protecting children and encouraged residents to provide credible information to the police whenever they notice suspicious activities.