By Our Correspondent
The Ogun State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a well-organized child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate operating under the cover of an orphanage, rescuing seven children and arresting five key suspects in a case that has shocked residents and drawn national attention.
The breakthrough followed a painstaking investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), after the case was transferred from Idanyin Divisional Headquarters for deeper probing. Police investigations revealed a network allegedly involved in the abduction, illegal custody, and planned sale of babies for as much as ₦1.5 million per child.
According to the Police, the case originated on 28 November 2025, when a woman identified as Amara reported the abduction of her six-year-old son, Samuel Honesty, at the Idanyin Police Division. Initial inquiries led to the arrest and prosecution of two suspects for suspected complicity, after which the matter was escalated to the SCID.
A major turning point occurred on 21 January 2026, when the missing child was dropped at Gowon Police Station in Lagos State. The boy reportedly told officers that he had been taken to Joyful Kids Orphanage in Badagry and identified Madam Joy as the person in charge of the facility.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, police operatives raided the orphanage, where they rescued six additional children, bringing the total number of rescued minors to seven. The children, aged between six and nine years, were identified as Ramsey Chiedozie, Rafael Rofiu, Kazeem Chiedozie, Segun Uthman, Ola Abdulhakeem Abdulrasheed, David Oyelese, and Samuel Honesty.
Police confirmed that Samuel Honesty has since been safely reunited with his mother, bringing relief and closure to the family after weeks of anxiety.
During the operation, officers also discovered two pregnant young women, both aged 18, within the facility. The women reportedly confessed that they had been recruited to carry pregnancies for the purpose of selling the babies to pre-arranged buyers after delivery, each child priced at ₦1.5 million.
The alleged mastermind of the operation, Joy Chiedozie (36), popularly known as Madam Joy, was arrested at the orphanage. She reportedly admitted to purchasing the abducted child for ₦1.5 million—₦900,000 paid in cash and ₦600,000 transferred through a bank transaction to a woman identified only as Kelly. The child was allegedly resold to a buyer, Mr. Emmanuel, who is currently on the run.
Further investigations revealed that the orphanage driver, Yusuf Adebowale (31), allegedly doubled as an uncertified surrogate agent, linking pregnant girls with prospective buyers. Other suspects arrested include Martins Favour (18), Tanimola Martins (18), and Rachael Chiedozie (16).
The remaining six rescued children have been formally handed over to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for protective custody, medical evaluation, and family tracing, in line with child welfare procedures.
Police authorities disclosed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, track financial transactions linked to the racket, identify buyers, and dismantle the wider trafficking network.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for child trafficking, illegal adoption, and exploitation of vulnerable persons.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious orphanage operations, illegal adoption arrangements, or human trafficking activities to the nearest police station.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting children, safeguarding vulnerable citizens, and ensuring that those who prey on the innocent are brought to justice,” the Commissioner stated.
The case has once again highlighted the growing menace of child trafficking and the need for stronger community awareness and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
