Oyo State Police Rescue 17 Children, Bust Child-Stealing Syndicate

The Oyo State Police Command uncovered an interstate child-stealing and trafficking network, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects during an investigation that began with a July 29, 2026, petition. Police revealed that six abducted children died in captivity, with their remains allegedly sold to ritualists.

How a Masquerade Disappearance Unmasked an Interstate Syndicate

What began as an investigation into a petition filed on July 29, 2026, by Adejoke Popoola (also known as Orente Alagbo) of the Sogade area of Ariyo in Ibadan over alleged conspiracy, cyberbullying, threat to life, and defamation of character quickly broadened into the exposure of a human trafficking network, according to the Oyo State Police Command. The petition was subsequently assigned to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad on August 3. Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga disclosed details during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan on Monday, stating that detectives assigned to the case discovered a wider enterprise operating across state lines involving the stealing, movement, sale, and concealment of children.

The investigation gained momentum when detectives examining the circumstances surrounding the petition became aware of the disappearance of a three-year-old boy, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, who went missing on June 29, 2026, during an annual masquerade festival in Oyo Town. The child had accompanied his father to his father-in-law’s family compound for the event, where Popoola had arrived two days earlier to participate in preparations. Police stated that Popoola offered to carry the child during the festival and subsequently disappeared from the venue with him, prompting a report at the Atiba Police Divisional Headquarters in Oyo Town. Police photographs and video footage from the event showed Popoola carrying the boy, and digital trails and statements from persons connected to the event further established that she was with the child around the time of his disappearance.

“What commenced as an investigation into a petition has, through painstaking investigative work, uncovered a wider network extending beyond Oyo State, resulting in the rescue of 17 children and the arrest of seven suspects.”
CP Abimbola Olugbenga, Oyo State Commissioner of Police

Arrests Across Ogun and Delta States Reveal Scale of Operations

Popoola was arrested on August 4, 2026, at about 2:30 pm and reportedly admitted during interrogation to attending the masquerade festival and leaving with the missing child. Her statement provided a major breakthrough, as she disclosed her involvement in the stealing of more than 15 children, aged between two and seven years, from churches, parties, and other event venues within and outside Oyo State. She also identified Janet Adekanbi, also known as Hosanna, as her partner in the criminal enterprise.

Detectives traced Adekanbi to Mowe, Ogun State, where police rescued four children aged between two and four years from custody and recovered two pregnant young women. Adekanbi acknowledged knowing Popoola for a decade and participating in the trade, though she denied holding the missing Ifakunle. Information from Adekanbi ultimately led police to rescue Ifakunle on August 20 in the Gbagi area of Ibadan.

The operation extended further on September 2 when detectives traveled to Agbor, Delta State, rescuing four more children stolen from Oyo State. Two suspects, Christopher Joy, 48, and Rosemary Jesse, 53, were arrested and allegedly confessed to their involvement.

Tragic Losses and Alleged Ritual Involvement

The investigation uncovered a grim outcome regarding several victims. Police reported that six children died while in the custody of their abductors, with the remains of those who died allegedly sold to suspected ritualists. Authorities arrested a herbalist, Yakubu Azeez, and Muritala Fasasi in connection with the ritual allegations.

Oyo State Police Rescue 17 Children, Bust Child-Stealing Syndicate — Photo: Channels Television

The six children who died in captivity were identified by the police as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen, 2; Greatness Adeagbo, 5; Sainat Amoo, 2; Taiwo Usman, 2; Daniel Solomon Olayinka, 7; and Miracle Olaniyi, 4.

Current Custody Status and Ongoing Legal Steps

As of the press briefing led by Oyo State Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga at the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, a total of 17 children have been rescued across multiple locations, and seven suspects remain in police custody facing charges related to child-stealing, human trafficking, and conspiracy.

60 Children Rescued in Massive Bay Area Human Trafficking Bust | Undercover Operation EXPOSED

The investigation remains active as authorities examine the full scope of the interstate network, tracing additional buyers and accomplices linked to the operation across Oyo, Ogun, and Delta states.

Worth a look