Oyo Police Uncover Child-Trafficking Network, Rescue 17 Children

The Oyo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged interstate child-stealing and trafficking network, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects in operations spanning Oyo, Ogun and Delta states. The development was disclosed by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, during a press briefing in Ibadan, according to Premium Times. The police said the investigation began following a petition but later uncovered what investigators described as a wider network allegedly involved in the stealing, movement, sale and concealment of children. According to the police, one of the breakthroughs came after the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29. Investigators subsequently arrested a woman identified as Adejoke Popoola, who allegedly provided information that helped expose the wider network. The police alleged that Popoola admitted involvement in the disappearance of more than 15 children, reportedly taken from churches, parties and other public gatherings within and outside Oyo State. Investigators later traced an alleged accomplice, Janet Adekanbi, also known as Hosanna, to Mowe in Ogun State. Four children and two pregnant young women were reportedly rescued from her custody. Police said further investigation led detectives to Agbor, Delta State, where four additional children allegedly stolen from Oyo State were rescued on September 2. Two more suspects were also arrested in connection with the investigation. Six Children Allegedly Died in Captivity The investigation also uncovered allegations that six children died while in the custody of suspected members of the network. Police said some suspects allegedly disclosed that the remains of the children were sold to suspected ritualists. Two additional suspects, including a herbalist, were arrested in connection with the allegation. The police identified the deceased children as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen, 2; Greatness Adeagbo, 5; Sainat Amoo, 2; Taiwo Usman, 2; Daniel Solomon Olayinka, 7; and Miracle Olaniyi, 4. The command said investigations were continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network, locate other missing children and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths. The Commissioner urged parents and guardians whose children have gone missing to visit the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to help identify the rescued children and facilitate their reunification with their families. The police also advised parents to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who claim to be traditional or spiritual healers, particularly where such persons seek to separate children from their families or take them to undisclosed locations. The allegations against the arrested suspects remain subject to investigation and possible prosecution. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. Source: Premium Times Nigeria — September 8, 2026. Editorial note: Details concerning the alleged trafficking network, the deaths of six children and the alleged involvement of suspects are based on statements attributed to the Oyo State Police Command and have not been independently verified by FACTFUL24.