The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended three suspects in connection with a child-stealing syndicate and rescued 14 children aged between infancy and 4 years old.
Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Akure.
The suspects, identified as Madam Sarah Sabira Izora (68), Yusuf Lookman (36), and Bose Olanipekun (23), were arrested following a report of child theft in the Okuta Elerinla area.
CP Afolabi revealed that investigations led officers to Edo State, where two of the suspects were apprehended.
Further investigations, aided by technical support, resulted in the arrest of Madam Izora in Ihiala, Anambra State.
“Most of the stolen children, purchased for ₦1 million each, were found with Madam Sarah Sabira Izora. In total, we recovered 14 children, comprising four babies and 10 older children,” he stated.
The CP noted that some parents have identified their children among the rescued victims, while others are yet to appear. Unfortunately, a few victims remain unaccounted for.
CP Afolabi urged members of the public who have fallen victim to child theft to visit the command to check if their children are among the rescued.
He commended the officers involved for their dedication, highlighting the impact of intelligent policing and technical expertise in achieving this milestone.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring justice in Ondo State.
Two women have narrated their harrowing experiences of how their children were stolen by a neighbor, now identified as Isiaka Lookman and his accomplice, Abosede.
A Mother’s Grief in Osun
One of the victims, Alarape Abosede, recounted how her son, Daodu, was abducted on October 31 in Osun State. According to her, the suspect, Abosede, was a former neighbor who had visited under the pretext of catching up.
“She called me one day, saying she wanted to visit. I described my place to her, not suspecting anything,” she said.
Alarape explained that the suspect arrived with a hair attachment, asking to be directed to a salon. She accompanied the suspect, leaving her child behind, only to return and discover her son was missing.
“Last November, the police called me from Ondo State, accusing me of being the last person to speak with Abosede. I told them she had stolen my child,” Alarape narrated.
The distraught mother said she and her husband had been searching for their son ever since, moving from state to state, including Delta, Agbor, and Benin, before the suspects were finally arrested in Edo State.
“When they were arrested, they confessed to selling my child to a woman in Anambra,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.
Another Case in Ipetu Ijesha
Another mother, Asiata Atilola, shared a similar ordeal, saying her child was stolen on November 19 in Ipetu Ijesha. According to Asiata, the suspect rented a house in her compound under false pretenses, pretending to be friendly.
“She came to rent a house, paid six months’ rent, and even fetched water to wash her room. She asked for my number, which I gave her, not suspecting anything,” Asiata said.
On the day of the abduction, the suspect pretended to go and buy food but left with one of Asiata’s sons.
“When I returned, I asked my other children where their brother was, and they said the lady had taken him. I called her immediately, but she claimed she was on her way back. That was the last I heard from her,” she said
