Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled an alleged baby factory in Mowe, rescuing two pregnant women and four children while arresting six suspects.
The operation was carried out around 8am on Monday, August 24, at Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, following intelligence on suspected human trafficking and illegal adoption activities.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, identified the rescued pregnant women as 23 year old Ilesanmi Foluke, who was seven months pregnant, and 20 year old Ejekwa Melody, who was eight months pregnant.
The four rescued children comprised two boys and two girls.
Six suspects, including an attending nurse, were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Florence Glory Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and Oseni Kusamotu Idaya.
The police later extended the investigation to a hospital in the Mowe area, where another alleged victim, 26 year old Blessing Bright Effiong, had reportedly delivered a baby boy on August 20. However, the whereabouts of the newborn could not be established, leading to the arrest of the attending nurse.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation, including efforts to locate the missing baby and determine the extent of the alleged syndicate’s activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child trading and other crimes.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police to help protect citizens.