Detectives attached to the Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have busted a three-member gang suspected of involvement in child stealing and rescued three children allegedly linked to the group.
The suspects arrested are Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
According to him, the investigation led to the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed during interrogation and subsequently took detectives to the residence of Anochike, where three children were rescued.
Babaseyi identified the rescued children as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
Preliminary findings, according to the police, indicated that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had reportedly absconded from his parents, was allegedly abducted.
The circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s custody are, however, still being investigated.
The police said the swift intervention of the detectives ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe.
The suspects remain in police custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences, determine the individual roles of the suspects and identify any other persons who may be connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
Babaseyi said 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, he added, reassured residents that the Command remained proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.
The Commissioner also 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 protecting children is a collective responsibility and urged the public to adopt its safety message: “See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe.”
Members of the public have been enjoined to report emergencies and credible information to the Ogun State Police Command through the following lines:
Gateway Shield Toll-Free: 0800 000 9111
Emergency: 09164859299, 09154293464
