The Ogun State Police Command has busted an alleged baby factory in Mowe, rescuing two heavily pregnant women and four children while arresting six suspects in connection with suspected human trafficking and illegal adoption activities.
The operation, conducted by operatives of the Mowe Divisional Police Headquarters on Monday, followed sustained intelligence on the activities of the suspected syndicate operating at Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, via Gbarinmole, Mowe.
The command, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, said the raid was carried out around 8am on August 24.
Those arrested were identified as Florence Glory Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and a nurse, Oseni Kusamotu Idaya.
According to the police, preliminary investigation indicated that human trafficking and illegal adoption had allegedly been taking place at the facility for some time.
Among those rescued were 23-year-old Ilesanmi Foluke, who was seven months pregnant, and 20-year-old Ejekwa Melody, who was eight months pregnant.
Four children, comprising two boys and two girls, were also recovered from the premises.
The police said further investigation led its operatives to a hospital within the Mowe axis, where they discovered another alleged victim, 26-year-old Blessing Bright Effiong, who had delivered a baby boy on August 20.
However, the command said the whereabouts of the newborn could not be established when operatives visited the hospital.
The development prompted the arrest of the attending nurse, Oseni Kusamotu Idaya, as investigators intensified efforts to locate the missing baby and unravel the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance.
The command said the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for a comprehensive investigation.
It added that the investigation would determine the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s activities, locate the missing newborn and identify all persons who might have participated in the suspected trafficking and illegal adoption network.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Mowe Division operatives for what he described as their prompt response and operational efficiency.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child trading and other forms of violent crime across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible information about suspicious persons, movements or activities in their communities.
The police said members of the public could report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or emergency lines 09164859299 and 09154293464.
The command said it would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
