By Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered an alleged child-stealing and human trafficking syndicate operating across Oyo, Ogun and Delta states, rescuing 17 children and arresting seven suspects.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led investigation into the disappearance of a three-year-old child, Ifakunle Ifagbenro, during a masquerade festival in Oyo town on June 29, 2026.
According to Iniedu, police detectives arrested Adejoke Popoola, also known as Orente Alagbo, on August 4 following extensive investigations.
He said Popoola allegedly confessed to involvement in the stealing, movement and sale of children from churches, parties and other event venues within and outside Oyo State.
