By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Police Force, through the Oyo State Command, has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking network operating across state lines, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in an intelligence-led investigation.
The investigation began following credible intelligence on the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29, 2026.
Following extensive investigative efforts, police detectives identified and arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4, 2026.
The police said Popoola, upon her arrest, disclosed her alleged involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
Her disclosures reportedly led detectives to Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, who was subsequently arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody.
Further leads obtained during the investigation enabled the police to locate Ifakunle in the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.
The investigation subsequently revealed that the alleged criminal network extended beyond Oyo and Ogun states.
Acting on the emerging intelligence, police detectives on September 2 extended the operation to Agbor, Delta State, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from persons suspected of having illegally acquired them.
Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested in connection with the operation, further confirming the interstate dimension of the alleged criminal network.
The investigation also uncovered allegations that some deceased victims were transferred to persons involved in ritual activities. This led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi and Yakubu Azeez, who are being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes.
The police said it had also received information concerning six children who allegedly died while in the custody of members of the network, with investigations ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that efforts be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate additional missing children and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators of child-related crimes are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
