The Oyo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected child-stealing and human-trafficking network operating across Oyo, Ogun, and Delta States, rescuing no fewer than 17 children and apprehending seven key suspects. Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga revealed this significant breakthrough on Monday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan. Interestingly, the investigation was initially set in motion by a petition alleging conspiracy, cyberbullying, threats to life, and defamation of character. However, it took a dramatic turn when detectives connected the case to the unsettling disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who vanished during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town on June 29.
Police evidence placed Adejoke Popoola, popularly known as Orente Alagbo, with the toddler shortly before he went missing. Following her arrest on August 4, Popoola allegedly confessed to stealing more than 15 children, aged between two and seven, from churches, parties, and other crowded public gatherings. Her suspected accomplice, Adekanbi Janet (also called Hosanna), was subsequently arrested in Mowe, Ogun State, where authorities reportedly found four children and two pregnant young women in her custody.
Investigators later traced Ifakunle to Ibadan’s Gbagi area, rescuing him on August 20. The trail extended to Agbor in Delta State, leading to the rescue of four additional children on September 2 and the arrest of alleged buyers, Christopher Joy and Rosemary Jesse. Further disturbing revelations emerged during interrogations, including claims that children who died in captivity were sold to ritualists. This resulted in the arrest of Alfa Muritala Fasasi and herbalist Yakubu Azeez, both of whom have reportedly confessed to ritual-related activities. While 17 children have been rescued so far, the police are actively working to identify their families and uncover more victims, urging parents with missing children to visit the Eleyele headquarters immediately for identification.