Sharon Adurokiya, Reporting
IBADAN — The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a child-stealing and human trafficking network operating across state lines, with 17 children rescued and seven suspects arrested following an intelligence-led investigation by the Oyo State Command.
The breakthrough came after detectives launched an inquiry into the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who went missing during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on 29 June 2026. Following weeks of intensive investigative work, officers identified and apprehended Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on 4 August 2026.
Upon her arrest, Popoola confessed to her role in the alleged theft, movement and sale of children taken from churches, parties and other public events both within and beyond Oyo State. Her disclosures led detectives to Adekanbi Janet, alias Hosanna, who was arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were rescued from her custody.
Further intelligence gathered during the investigation provided crucial leads to the whereabouts of young Ifakunle, culminating in his rescue in the Gbagi area of Ibadan on 20 August 2026. As the probe deepened, it became clear that the criminal enterprise extended well beyond Oyo and Ogun States.
Acting on emerging leads, police detectives extended their operation to Agbor, Delta State, on 2 September 2026, where four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from individuals suspected of illegally acquiring them. Two suspects, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse, were arrested in connection with that phase of the operation, further confirming the interstate nature of the network.
In a disturbing development, 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 now being investigated over the alleged use of victims for ritual purposes. The command has also received information concerning six children who reportedly died while in the custody of members of the network, with efforts ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding those deaths.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the Oyo State Command for the breakthrough and directed that operations be sustained to dismantle the entire network, locate any additional missing children and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that perpetrators of child-related crimes face the full weight of the law.
The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and rescues not ruled out.
