The Oyo State Police Command has busted a suspected child-stealing and human-trafficking network allegedly operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.

The breakthrough was announced by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, on Monday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

What began as a petition over alleged conspiracy, cyberbullying, threat to life and defamation of character reportedly opened the door to a much bigger criminal operation involving the alleged abduction, sale and concealment of children.

The investigation took a dramatic turn when detectives discovered the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29.

Police said evidence from the event placed Adejoke Popoola, popularly known as Orente Alagbo, with the child shortly before both disappeared.

Popoola was arrested on August 4 and allegedly confessed to stealing more than 15 children between the ages of two and seven from churches, parties and other public gatherings.

Her alleged associate, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, was subsequently arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were reportedly found in her custody.

Investigators later traced the missing Ifakunle to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.

The trail then extended to Agbor in Delta State. On September 2, detectives rescued four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State and arrested two alleged buyers, Christopher Joy, 48, and Rosemary Jesse, 53.

The Police said the discoveries confirmed that the operation was not a local crime but an interstate trafficking network.

More disturbing revelations reportedly emerged during interrogation, including allegations that children who died in captivity were sold to ritualists.

This led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi, an Alfa, and Yakubu Azeez, a herbalist, who the Police said have confessed to alleged involvement in ritual-related activities.

The Command said 17 children have so far been rescued, with efforts continuing to identify their families and uncover other victims.

The Police urged parents whose children have gone missing to report immediately and visit the Command Headquarters at Eleyele, Ibadan, to identify the rescued children.

The Command also warned the public against handing children over to persons claiming to be traditional or spiritual healers, particularly when they demand that children be taken away or kept at undisclosed locations.

CP Olugbenga said the Police, in collaboration with other security and government agencies, would continue investigating the network, locating other missing children and ensuring that those found culpable face the law.

The Oyo State Police Command has busted a suspected child-stealing and human-trafficking network allegedly operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.

The breakthrough was announced by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, on Monday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

What began as a petition over alleged conspiracy, cyberbullying, threat to life and defamation of character reportedly opened the door to a much bigger criminal operation involving the alleged abduction, sale and concealment of children.

The investigation took a dramatic turn when detectives discovered the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29.

Police said evidence from the event placed Adejoke Popoola, popularly known as Orente Alagbo, with the child shortly before both disappeared.

Popoola was arrested on August 4 and allegedly confessed to stealing more than 15 children between the ages of two and seven from churches, parties and other public gatherings.

Her alleged associate, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, was subsequently arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were reportedly found in her custody.

Investigators later traced the missing Ifakunle to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.

The trail then extended to Agbor in Delta State. On September 2, detectives rescued four children allegedly stolen from Oyo State and arrested two alleged buyers, Christopher Joy, 48, and Rosemary Jesse, 53.

The Police said the discoveries confirmed that the operation was not a local crime but an interstate trafficking network.

More disturbing revelations reportedly emerged during interrogation, including allegations that children who died in captivity were sold to ritualists.

This led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi, an Alfa, and Yakubu Azeez, a herbalist, who the Police said have confessed to alleged involvement in ritual-related activities.

The Command said 17 children have so far been rescued, with efforts continuing to identify their families and uncover other victims.

The Police urged parents whose children have gone missing to report immediately and visit the Command Headquarters at Eleyele, Ibadan, to identify the rescued children.

The Command also warned the public against handing children over to persons claiming to be traditional or spiritual healers, particularly when they demand that children be taken away or kept at undisclosed locations.

CP Olugbenga said the Police, in collaboration with other security and government agencies, would continue investigating the network, locating other missing children and ensuring that those found culpable face the law.