Ogun police child trafficking syndicate exposed as officers rescue seven children and arrest suspects over illegal surrogacy and baby sales

The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday announced the dismantling of an organised child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate operating under the cover of an orphanage, describing the operation as a decisive blow against child exploitation in the state.

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The breakthrough was recorded by operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department following the transfer of the case from the Idanyin Divisional Headquarters in Agbara to Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area.

Seven children were rescued during the operation, while five principal suspects were arrested. Police also uncovered plans to sell babies at a price of ₦1.5 million per child.

The state police spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists.

DSP Babaseyi said the investigation began on November 28, 2025, when a woman identified as Amara reported the abduction of her six year old son, Samuel Honesty, at the Idanyin Divisional Headquarters.

According to him, preliminary investigations led to the arrest and prosecution of two suspects, Chioma Honest and Praise Honesty, over suspected involvement in the child’s disappearance before the matter was transferred to the SCID for deeper investigation.

He said the abducted child resurfaced on January 21, 2026, after he was dropped at Gowon Police Station in Lagos State, where he informed officers that he had been taken to Joyful Kids Orphanage in Badagry and identified the operator as Madam Joy.

Acting on the intelligence, police operatives carried out a coordinated raid on the facility, rescuing six additional children and bringing the total number of recovered minors to seven.

DSP Babaseyi said Samuel Honesty has since been safely reunited with his mother, describing the development as a powerful moment of relief and closure for the family.

During the operation, police also discovered two pregnant young women, both aged 18, who reportedly confessed that they were recruited to carry pregnancies for the purpose of selling their babies to pre arranged buyers at ₦1.5 million per child.

The principal suspect, Joy Chiedozie, also known as Madam Joy, was alleged to have confessed to purchasing the abducted child for ₦1.5 million, paying part in cash and the balance through a bank transfer to another woman identified as Kelly, before selling the child to a buyer who is currently at large.

Further investigations revealed that the orphanage driver, Yusuf Adebowale, allegedly acted as an uncertified surrogate agent, linking pregnant girls with prospective buyers and facilitating illegal arrangements.

Other suspects arrested in connection with the case include Martins Favour, Tanimola Martins and Rachael Chiedozie.

DSP Babaseyi said the six other rescued children have been handed over to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for protective custody, welfare assessment and family tracing.

He added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, trace financial transactions, identify additional victims and dismantle the wider trafficking network.

The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its zero tolerance for child trafficking, illegal adoption and the exploitation of vulnerable children and young women, urging members of the public to report suspicious orphanage activities and human trafficking cases.