Six children abducted by a suspected child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate have died in captivity, while 17 others have been rescued and seven suspects arrested in Oyo State.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, disclosed this on Monday, September 7, during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
According to the commissioner, the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation into a criminal network allegedly involved in the stealing, trafficking and concealment of children across state lines.
The investigation began after a petition submitted on July 29, 2026, by Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo. During the investigation, police were alerted to the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during an annual masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29.
Police said video and photographic evidence showed Popoola carrying the missing child before the two disappeared from the venue.
Popoola was arrested on August 4 and allegedly confessed to taking the child. Her statement reportedly led investigators to a wider network involved in the alleged abduction and sale of children.
The police said the suspect admitted to stealing more than 15 children, aged between two and seven, from churches, parties and other events within and outside Oyo State since October 2024.
She reportedly identified Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, as an accomplice. Adekanbi was later traced to Mowe, Ogun State, where police rescued four children aged between two and four and recovered two pregnant young women.
Investigators subsequently traced Ifakunle to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.
The investigation also took police officers to Agbor, Delta State, on September 2, where four more children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued from suspected buyers.
Two suspects, identified as 48-year-old Christopher Joy and 53-year-old Rosemary Jesse, were arrested in connection with the operation.
The commissioner further disclosed that investigators uncovered an alleged ritual dimension to the criminal network. According to him, a suspect allegedly told police that some children who died in captivity had their bodies sold to ritualists.
This reportedly led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi, an Alfa, and Yakubu Azeez, a herbalist, who police said allegedly confessed to involvement.
Police also alleged that children were sold for between ₦500,000 and ₦600,000. One of the principal suspects reportedly claimed that she gained parents’ trust at traditional or spiritual gatherings before taking their children.
The police said she also allegedly targeted children with disabilities by promising their parents that she could help heal them.
The six children confirmed dead were identified as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen, 2; Greatness Adeagbo, 5; Sainat Amoo, 2; Taiwo Usman, 2; Daniel Solomon Olayinka, 7; and Miracle Olaniyi, 4.
The 17 rescued children include Ifakunle Ifagbenro, 3; Musibau Olasupo, 5; Sulaimon Osamo, 7; Murina Fidaus, 3; Aminat Yusuf, 3; Taiwo Olamilekan, 3; a nine-day-old male infant; Rafiat Waheed Babalola, 2; Quwiyat Alade, 5; Rejoice Divine, 3; Alhaji Divine, 5; Eniolorunda, 3; Victoria, 3; Isoma Prince, 3; Roqeeba, 4; Boluwatife Odedeyi, 3; and Ireoluwa Elizabeth Olapade, 7.
The Oyo State Police Command urged parents and guardians who have recently lost children to visit the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to identify the rescued children and facilitate their reunification with their families.
The command said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged criminal network and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the six children.
