Operatives from the Mowe Division of the Ogun State Police Command have shut down an illegal baby factory at Abaren Village, Mowe. This operation was based on intelligence gathered by the police.
The raid led to the rescue of two heavily pregnant women and four children. Six suspects were arrested: Florence Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and a nurse named Oseni Idaya.
The police described the arrest of these suspects as a big win in their fight against human trafficking and child exploitation. The police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, shared details in a statement to journalists on Tuesday.
Babaseyi said, "The operation was carried out on 24th August, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m. Operatives, acting on reliable intelligence, raided the syndicate’s hideout on Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, near Gbarinmole, a suburb of Mowe. Preliminary investigations showed that human trafficking and illegal adoptions had been happening at the facility for some time."
During the raid, the operatives rescued two pregnant women: Ilesanmi Foluke, 23, who is seven months pregnant, and Ejekwa Melody, 20, who is eight months pregnant. Four young children, two boys and two girls, were also found at the scene.
Babaseyi added that follow-up operations led police to a hospital in the Mowe area. There, they discovered another victim, Blessing Bright Effiong, 26, who had given birth to a baby boy on 20th August, 2026. The police could not find the newborn while the mother was receiving medical care, which led to the nurse's arrest as they searched for the missing baby.
PUNCH Metro learned that the case is now with the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta. They aim to find out more about the syndicate's activities, locate the missing newborn, and ensure all suspects are prosecuted.
Babaseyi assured the public that they would be updated as new information comes in. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the quick action of the Mowe Division operatives against the illegal baby factory.
Ojajuni promised that the Command will keep working hard to end human trafficking, child trading, and all sorts of violent crime in Ogun State. He urged residents to stay alert and help the police by sharing timely information. The police will continue to use intelligence-led policing to keep everyone safe.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or people through these channels: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111. Emergency Lines: 09164859299, 09154293464.
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