By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be members of a notorious child-stealing syndicate and rescued three children in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were identified as 36-year-old Kikelomo Jimoh, Kayode Elizabeth, and 60-year-old Blessing Anochike.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oluseyi Babasiyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
Babasiyi stated that detectives attached to the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters arrested Jimoh following a sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
The police spokesperson noted that during interrogation, Jimoh allegedly confessed and subsequently led detectives to Anochike’s residence, where the three children were rescued.
“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; Kayode Elizabeth, ‘F’; and Blessing Anochike, ‘F’, 60, while rescuing three children in connection with the case,” the statement said.
The command identified the rescued children as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
The statement revealed that the circumstances surrounding the three children differed, with preliminary findings indicating that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000.
“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 N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted,” the police added.
The command noted that the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s movement and custody were still being investigated.
“The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation,” the statement read.
The police assured that their swift intervention led to the children’s rescue and confirmed that they are now safe.
“The swift intervention of the Police ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe. The suspects remain in custody,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
“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 police statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives attached to the Ibafo Division for their swift response and investigative diligence.
“The CP reassures residents that the Command remains proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society,” the statement said.
CP Ojajuni also called on parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children.
He urged the public to report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements, and activities suggesting the sale, abduction, or exploitation of children.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” the CP was quoted as saying.
The command enjoined residents to report emergencies and provide credible information through its Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or via its emergency numbers: 09164859299 and 09154293464.
