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The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of six abducted children in captivity following the dismantling of a suspected child trafficking syndicate that allegedly operated across several states.
Police Commissioner Abimbola Olugbenga disclosed on Monday that 17 other children were rescued and seven suspects arrested during an intelligence-led operation that uncovered a criminal network involved in child abduction, trafficking and concealment.
According to the commissioner, the investigation began after a petition submitted on July 29, 2026, led detectives to probe the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo Town.
Police investigations revealed that the prime suspect, Adejoke Popoola, popularly known as "Orente Alagbo," allegedly carried the child during the festival before disappearing with him. She was arrested on August 4 and reportedly confessed to stealing several children from churches, parties and public events.
Her confession led detectives to another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, alias "Hosanna," in Mowe, Ogun State, where four children and two pregnant young women were rescued. Police said investigations later led to the rescue of Ifakunle in Ibadan on August 20.
The operation was subsequently extended to Delta State, where four more children allegedly stolen from Oyo were rescued in Agbor. Two suspects, Christopher Joy, 48, and Rosemary Jesse, 53, were arrested for allegedly purchasing the children.
Olugbenga said the investigation exposed an interstate child trafficking ring and uncovered an alleged ritual dimension to the syndicate's activities. According to him, one suspect confessed that children who died in captivity were allegedly sold to ritualists.
The confession led to the arrest of Muritala Fasasi, an Islamic cleric, and Yakubu Azeez, a herbalist, who police alleged admitted using the bodies for ritual purposes.
Police also disclosed that one of the principal suspects claimed to have stolen at least 13 children since October 2024, allegedly selling them for between ₦500,000 and ₦600,000. The suspect reportedly targeted children at festivals, churches and other public gatherings, sometimes deceiving parents by claiming she could heal children with disabilities.
The six children confirmed dead were identified as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen, Greatness Adeagbo, Sainat Amoo, Taiwo Usman, Daniel Solomon Olayinka and Miracle Olaniyi.
The commissioner appealed to parents whose children have gone missing to visit the Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to identify the 17 rescued children. He assured that investigations are continuing to uncover the full network, rescue other victims and ensure all those involved are prosecuted. He also urged parents to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of missing children to the police.
