Six arrested as cops track missing newborn and uncover trafficking syndicate

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have raided an alleged baby factory in Mowe, leading to the rescue of two pregnant women and four children. Six persons have also been taken into custody over the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said in a statement on Tuesday that the raid was carried out around 8am on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, Gbarinmole area of Mowe. The operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering on suspected human trafficking and illegal adoption at the location.

According to Babaseyi, the pregnant women rescued are 23-year-old Ilesanmi Foluke, who is seven months pregnant, and 20-year-old Ejekwa Melody, who is eight months pregnant. Four children two boys and two girls were also found at the facility and taken into protective custody.

Those arrested include Florence Glory Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and a nurse, Oseni Kusamotu Idaya.

The PPRO added that further investigation led officers to a hospital within the Mowe axis, where 26-year-old Blessing Bright Effiong was receiving treatment after delivering a baby boy on August 20. However, the infant could not be accounted for.

“The whereabouts of the newborn child could not be accounted for, prompting the arrest of the attending nurse in locating the infant,” Babaseyi stated.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further probe. Police said they are working to uncover the full scope of the syndicate’s operations, trace the missing baby, and ensure that all those found culpable are prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved and reiterated the command’s resolve to fight human trafficking, child trading and other violent crimes. He also urged residents to support the police with credible information, assuring that intelligence-led policing will continue to protect citizens.

Source: PUNCH News, Ogun State Police Command.