Oyo Police Rescue 17 Children, Uncover Trafficking Ring

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued 17 children and arrested several suspects in an investigation that has exposed an alleged child-trafficking network operating across parts of the South-West and South-South.

The investigation also uncovered the deaths of six children allegedly linked to the criminal network, according to the police. Detectives are continuing efforts to establish what happened to the victims and identify other people connected to the operation.

The case reportedly began with the disappearance of three-year-old Ifakunle Ifagbenro during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026. Police said the investigation into the boy’s disappearance eventually opened the way to a wider suspected trafficking operation.

According to the police, investigators reviewed video and photographic evidence from the event and identified a woman, Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, carrying the child shortly before leaving the venue.

Popoola was later arrested and, according to the police, her statement provided information that helped detectives trace other people allegedly involved in the movement of children.

The investigation reportedly led officers to Mowe in Ogun State, where another suspect, Adekanbi Janet, also known as Hosanna, was located. Four children were rescued from the location, while two pregnant young women were also found there.

Police later traced Ifakunle to the Gbagi area of Ibadan, where he was rescued on August 20.

The investigation subsequently moved outside Oyo State. Police said detectives travelled to Agbor in Delta State on September 2 and rescued four children allegedly taken from Oyo State. Two suspected buyers were arrested during the operation.

The command said the investigation suggested that children were allegedly taken from places such as churches, parties and public gatherings before being moved to other locations.

Police also reported a disturbing development involving some of the children who allegedly died in captivity. Investigators said information obtained from suspects pointed to an alleged connection with ritual activities.

Two men identified as Muritala Fasasi, an Alfa, and Yakubu Azeez, a herbalist, were arrested as part of that aspect of the investigation. The police said the suspects allegedly confessed to involvement in the use of victims’ bodies for ritual purposes. The claims remain allegations and are subject to further investigation and prosecution.

The six children confirmed dead were identified by the police as Musharaf Lawal Tajudeen, two; Greatness Adeagbo, five; Sainat Amoo, two; Taiwo Usman, two; Daniel Solomon Olayinka, seven; and Miracle Olaniyi, four.

Among those rescued were children aged between two and seven years, as well as a nine-day-old baby. The police have urged parents and guardians who have missing children to visit the command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, to check whether any of the rescued children are their relatives.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, said the command would continue to work with other security and government agencies to uncover the full network and locate other possible victims.

He also urged parents to report missing children immediately and warned families to be careful about people who offer traditional or spiritual services and request access to their children.

The investigation has raised fresh concerns about the safety of children at crowded events, where criminals may take advantage of moments when parents and guardians are distracted.

Police said investigations are still ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying more suspects, establishing the circumstances surrounding the six deaths and determining whether more children may have been affected by the alleged trafficking network.

About The Author