Police rescue three children from Ogun child-stealing gang

Police operatives have rescued three children after arrest of three members of a child -stealing gang identified as Kikelomo Jimoh, Kayode Elizabeth and Blessing Anochike in Ogun State.

The arrest of the suspects and rescue of the children followed sustained intelligence-led investigation into a reported case of child stealing and subsequent arrest of Kikelomo Jimoh, Oluseyi Babaseyi, Ogun Police Command’s spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.

He added that investigation, Kikelomo confessed and led detectives to the residence of Blessing Anochike, where three children, consisting of two females and one male were rescued.

Babaseyi identified the three children as Christiana Olowokere, ‘F’, 14; Olamilekan Abdurusheed, ‘M’, 16; and Adeniji Rebecca, ‘F’, 12.

The Ogun Police Command spokesperson added that preliminary findings indicate that Christiana was allegedly sold for ₦500,000, 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 Rebecca are also under investigation.

“The swift intervention of the Police ensured the timely rescue of the three children, who are now safe. The suspects remain in custody,” said Babaseyi.

He added that the case has 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 spokesperson also quoted Ogun Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, as commending detectives of Ibafo Division for their swift response, investigative diligence and commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

The CP reassures residents that the Command remains proactive and resolute in detecting, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that target vulnerable members of society.

Ojajuni also called on parents, guardians, neighbours, community leaders, schools, transport operators and the general 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.

“A child’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. See Something. Say Something. Stay Safe,” the Ogun Command concluded in the statement.

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