Ogun police arrest three over alleged child stealing

Police detectives in Ibafo, Ogun State, have rescued three children and arrested three suspected members of a child-stealing gang.

The suspects, identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60, were arrested by detectives attached to the Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command.

The breakthrough followed sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing, which led to the arrest of Jimoh.

During the investigation, Jimoh allegedly confessed and led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where the three children were rescued.

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

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

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

The police said their intervention ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe, while the suspects remain in custody.

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 of the case, determine the individual roles of the suspects and identify any other persons connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.