Oyo Police Rescue 17 Children From Alleged Child Trafficking Syndicate, Arrest 7 Suspects

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, on Tuesday said the command has rescued 17 children from an alleged child stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across state lines.

CP Olugbenga disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Oyo State Police Headquarters, Ibadan. He said 7 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

The CP said the arrest followed investigation into a petition dated July 29, 2026, submitted by Adejoke Popoola ‘F’, also known as Orente Alagbo, of Sogade area, Ariyo, Ibadan.

He added that the petition bordered on “conspiracy, cyber bullying, threat to life and defamation of character,” and was assigned to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad on August 3, 2026.

“While examining the circumstances surrounding the petition, the attention of the detectives was drawn to the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro ‘M’,” he said.

“On June 29, 2026, the child accompanied his father to an annual masquerade festival at his father-in-law’s family compound in Oyo Town. Adejoke also arrived two days before the festival to participate in preparations for the event.

“During the event, she offered to carry the child. Shortly afterwards, both Adejoke and the child disappeared from the venue. The matter was subsequently reported at Atiba Police Divisional Headquarters in Oyo Town.”

CP Olugbenga said pictorial and video materials from the event showed Adejoke carrying the child on June 29, 2026. Persons identified through the digital trail were invited by the police.

“From their statements, it was established that Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, was with the child around the time of his disappearance,” he said.

“Adejoke Popoola was arrested on August 4, 2026, at about 2:30pm. She admitted to have attended the masquerade festival and thereafter left with the missing child.

“Her statement provided the first major breakthrough into the wider criminal network.”

The CP said Adejoke disclosed that she had been involved in stealing more than 15 children between the ages of two and seven, from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.

“She further disclosed one Adekanbi Janet ‘F’, also known as Hosanna, as her partner in the business,” Olugbenga stated.

Adekanbi was traced and arrested in Mowe, Ogun State. Four children between ages two and four were rescued from her custody, alongside two pregnant young women.

“In the course of investigation, Adekanbi Janet aka Hosanna also admitted knowing Adejoke for about ten years of her involvement in the stealing and sale of children, although she denied having custody of Ifakunle.

“She further stated that some of the stolen children were kept in custody pending sale, while the pregnant young women would be cared for until delivery,” the CP said.

The police said investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and reunite the rescued children with their families.