Police Arrest Three Women for Stealing Children in Ogun

The Ogun State Police have arrested three women believed to be part of a child-stealing gang. They also rescued three children in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects are Kikelomo Jimoh, 36; Kayode Elizabeth; and Blessing Anochike, 60.

The police shared this news on Friday through its Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babasiyi.

Detectives from the Ibafo Divisional Headquarters arrested Jimoh after a long investigation into a child-stealing report. The police said this investigation led to her arrest. During questioning, she reportedly confessed and took the officers to Anochike's home, where the three children were found.

"Detectives from 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 rescued children are Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.

The police noted that each child's situation was different. Initial findings suggest that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000.

The statement said, "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 run away from his parents, was later allegedly kidnapped."

The police mentioned that they have not yet determined the circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s situation.

"The circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji Rebecca are also under investigation," the statement said.

The police's quick action led to the rescue of the children, and they assured the public that the children 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 said.

The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a thorough investigation.

"The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for detailed investigation to find out the full details of the case, determine the roles of the suspects, and identify any other people involved in the crime," the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the detectives from the Ibafo Division for their quick response and thorough investigation.

The police quoted Ojajuni as assuring residents that they will continue targeting criminal groups that exploit vulnerable people.

"The CP reassures residents that the Command remains active and determined in finding, stopping and breaking down criminal networks that prey on vulnerable members of society," the statement said.

Ojajuni also encouraged parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators, and the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities involving children.

He asked people to report any unexplained disappearances, strange movements, unusual custody situations, and any activities that suggest child sales, abductions, or exploitation.

"A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe," the statement quoted him as saying.

The police urged residents to report any emergencies or useful information through their Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or their emergency numbers, 09164859299 and 09154293464.