The police command in Ogun has arrested three persons for the theft and sale of children in Ibafo. Its spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement on Friday, said the operatives rescued three children held captive by the alleged child traffickers.

Mr Babaseyi said, “Detectives attached to Ibafo Division of the Ogun State Police Command have busted a three-member suspected child-stealing gang, arresting Kikelomo Jimoh, ‘F’, 36; Elizabeth Kayode, ‘F’; and Blessing Anochike, ‘F’, 60, while rescuing three children in connection with the case.

“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. 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 ₦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 are also under investigation.”

The case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The police commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, while commending the detectives for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, reassured residents that the command remains proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society.

Mr Ojajuni therefore urged parents, guardians, neighbours, community leaders, schools, transport operators and 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.