By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi

In a dramatic breakthrough, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in a child trafficking syndicate that operated across multiple states.

The suspects, Lukman Isiaka, 43; Abosede Olanipekun, 23; and Sabira Izuorah, 68, were apprehended following a sting operation that uncovered 14 stolen babies and toddlers.

The stolen children, ranging from two weeks to two months old, were recovered from an orphanage in Ihiala, Anambra State, run by Izuorah.

The orphanage, Clarion Children’s Care and Reforms Initiatives, had reportedly been a hub for the illicit trade since it began operations in 2020.

According to police, the children were trafficked from Akure, Ondo State, and Ilesa, Osun State, by Lukman and Abosede, a couple who worked as child abductors.

While being paraded at the police headquarters, Igbatoro road, Akure, Izuorah, a retired Director from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State, admitted to receiving the stolen children.

She claimed that adoptive parents paid for the children by providing food and supplies, denying direct monetary exchanges.

“Lukman and his wife brought a total of 11 children to me. I didn’t pay them; the adoptive parents handled that,” she stated.

Lukman, a bricklayer, confessed that he and his wife had been involved in child theft since 2023, following Izuorah’s introduction to the trade.

He revealed that she paid him ₦500,000 per child, which she resold to adoptive parents for ₦1 million or more.

Explaining his method, he said, “We would approach children roaming about, promise them soft drinks and biscuits, and lure them away. Then, we’d board a vehicle to Anambra State and hand them over to Izuorah.”

The operation that led to the arrests was described as a major victory for the police.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, credited intelligence-led policing for the success.

He explained how Lukman and Abosede were traced to Ottah village in Edo State and subsequently arrested.

The couple then led police operatives to Izuorah’s orphanage in Anambra, where she was taken into custody.

Recounting a specific case, Afolabi said, “A missing child was reported at Okuta Elerinla Division in Akure. The complainant stated that Abosede deceived her by claiming she wanted to buy biscuits for her baby. Meanwhile, Lukman distracted her with a conversation and lured her away. Upon returning, the complainant discovered her child was gone.”

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to abducting children from Ondo and Osun States and selling them to Izuorah.

The police commissioner confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue other missing children linked to the syndicate.

He assured that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.