According to Leadership News, operatives from the Ondo State Police Command have arrested members of a child trafficking syndicate involved in the illegal sale of children. The arrested suspects include 43-year-old Lukman Isiaka, 23-year-old Abosede Olanipekun, and 68-year-old Mrs. Sabira Izuorah.
Police reports reveal that the suspects were found in possession of 14 babies and toddlers who had been stolen from various locations in Akure, Ondo State, and Ilesa, Osun State.
The children, who ranged in age from three weeks to two months old, were recovered from Mrs. Izuorah. She allegedly ran an orphanage in Ihiala, Anambra State, where the stolen children were taken for further trafficking. This discovery has raised serious concerns about the illegal trade of children across state lines in Nigeria.
In statements to the police, the suspects disclosed that the stolen children were sold for ₦500,000 each, with Izuorah acting as the primary receiver. Izuorah, a former Director in the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State, reportedly paid Lukman Isiaka ₦500,000 for each child. She then sold the children to other buyers for ₦1 million or more.
Isiaka admitted to his role in the syndicate, claiming he had been involved in child theft since 2023. He confessed to delivering a total of 11 children to Izuorah during this period. Olanipekun, another member of the group, has not provided further details about her involvement but remains in police custody for further questioning.
The police operation has exposed the scale of the trafficking network, which spans multiple states. Authorities are now working to identify the buyers involved in the illegal transactions and continue to investigate other potential members of the syndicate.
Lukman stated, “I have been stealing children since 2023. I have given a total of 11 children to Izuorah.”
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