Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be members of a child-stealing syndicate and 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, who were arrested by detectives attached to the Ibafo Divisional Police Headquarters following an intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the breakthrough followed the arrest of Jimoh, who allegedly confessed during interrogation and led detectives to the residence of Anochike, where the three children were rescued.
Babaseyi said investigation subsequently established the identities of the rescued children as Christiana Olowokere, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, 12.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated that Christiana was allegedly sold for N500,000, while Olamilekan, who had earlier absconded from his parents, was subsequently allegedly abducted.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the movement and custody of Adeniji were still under investigation.
Babaseyi said the swift intervention of the police ensured the timely rescue of the children, who are now safe, while the three suspects remained in custody.
He said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The PPRO said the investigation would establish the full circumstances surrounding the case, determine the individual roles of the suspects and identify any other persons connected to the alleged criminal enterprise.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the detectives of Ibafo Division for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.
Babaseyi said the commissioner assured residents that the command remained proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks targeting vulnerable members of society.
He quoted the CP as calling on parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, transport operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report unexplained disappearances, suspicious movements, unusual custody arrangements or any activity suggesting the sale, abduction or exploitation of children.
“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” the PPRO said.
He urged members of the public with credible information or emergencies to contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.
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