Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have dismantled an alleged baby factory at Abaren Village, Mowe, rescuing two pregnant women and four children while arresting six suspects.
The operation, conducted at about 8:00 a.m. on August 24, followed sustained intelligence on suspected human trafficking and illegal adoption activities at a hideout on Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, via Gbarinmole.
ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the two rescued pregnant women were identified as Ilesanmi Foluke, 23, who is seven months pregnant, and Ejekwa Melody, 20, who is eight months pregnant.
Four children—two boys and two girls—were also recovered from the premises.
Six suspects were arrested in connection with the operation. They are Florence Glory Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and a nurse, Oseni Kusamotu Idaya.
In a follow-up operation, police investigators traced another victim, Blessing Bright Effiong, 26, to a hospital in the Mowe area. She had reportedly given birth to a baby boy on August 20.
According to the command’s deputy spokesperson, Effiong was receiving medical treatment at the hospital, but the whereabouts of her newborn could not be established. The attending nurse was subsequently arrested as efforts continued to locate the missing baby.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation. Police said the probe would determine the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s activities, locate the missing newborn and bring all culpable persons to justice.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the Mowe Division operatives for their prompt response and operational efficiency.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child trading and other violent crimes across the state, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line: 0800 000 9111, or the emergency lines 09164859299 and 09154293464.
