Ogun police busts child trafficking syndicate, arrests 3 suspects

The Ogun State Police Command has successfully dismantled a child trafficking syndicate led by a suspect known as Mama Faith, who is currently detained at the Ibara Correctional Centre.

Three other individuals—ThankGod Taiwo (35), Patience Chikezie (54), and Oluyinka Folake (43)—were arrested in connection with the illegal activities.

During a press briefing on Monday, January 6, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, paraded the suspects at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Taiwo was apprehended at his hideout after abducting a seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande. He sold the child to Chikezie for N650,000 at Ipaja Roundabout in Lagos.

Chikieze, arrested on 29 December at Lafenwa-Itele, led police to her residence, where the child was rescued unhurt.

According to the CP, Chikieze confessed that her buyer rejected Mercy because of her age.

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Further investigations revealed that Chikieze had previously purchased a three-year-old boy, Mohees Daniel, for N250,000 and sold him for N3 million.

Chikieze also allegedly bought another child, David Jesulayomi, from Oluyinka for N1.5 million, which she attempted to sell for profit.

Both children were recovered, along with fake adoption agreements issued by Chikieze.

“She created a WhatsApp group named Prema Consult to lure unsuspecting adopters under the guise of legal child adoption,” the CP explained.

“She and her accomplices, including Taiwo and Folake, confessed to working for Mama Faith, who orchestrated the illegal operations.”

CP Ogunlowo, who assumed office three weeks ago, warned criminals in the state to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.

He urged residents to support the police with timely intelligence to combat crime effectively.

Speaking to newsmen, Chikezie, a mother of two, confessed to the crime and begged for forgiveness.

“It’s not right. I have offended man and God. I plead for mercy.”

Ogun police busts child trafficking syndicate, arrests 3 suspects

46 kidnapped in Zamfara as gunmen attack Gana town

No fewer than 46 individuals, including women and children, have been abducted in Gana town, Zamfara State, during a violent attack on Sunday night.

Residents reported that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. when dozens of gunmen on motorcycles stormed the community, setting fire to homes and businesses.

Although authorities are yet to release an official statement, a traditional leader, Alhaji Garba Haure, confirmed the incident to Reuters, describing the scale of destruction and the trauma experienced by the affected residents.

“We have 46 men, women and children that have been abducted altogether, and are still counting,” Haure said.

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He said the quick intervention of government security forces prevented the assailants from setting the entire town ablaze, adding that no life was lost in the attack.

But another resident, Bala Harauma, told Reuters that the actual number of abducted people could be higher.

“Six people managed to escape while the armed gang moved the captives in the early hours of Monday,” Harauma said.

Another resident, Yusuf Mohammed, explained that the bandits set ablaze dozens of houses and silos containing foodstuff.

The Northwest has been experiencing a severe security crisis, with terrorist and bandit groups wreaking havoc on local communities.

These groups have been responsible for a multitude of violent attacks, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread kidnappings.

46 kidnapped in Zamfara as gunmen attack Gana town

Six soldiers killed, 34 terrorists eliminated in Borno troops, ISWAP clash

The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday confirmed that over 34 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were neutralised in a fierce battle at Sabon Gari Community, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.