The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled an alleged illegal baby factory at Abaren Village, Mowe, rescuing two pregnant women and four children in an intelligence-led operation.
Operatives from the Mowe Division also arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged syndicate. Those arrested are Florence Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and a nurse, Oseni Idaya.
The police described the operation as a major breakthrough in efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday.
He said the operation was conducted at about 8:00 a.m. on August 24, 2026, after police received sustained intelligence about activities at a suspected baby factory located on Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, via Gbarinmole, a suburb of Mowe.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the facility had allegedly been used for human trafficking and illegal adoption activities for some time.
During the raid, officers rescued Ilesanmi Foluke, 23, who was seven months pregnant, and Ejekwa Melody, 20, who was eight months pregnant. Four children—two boys and two girls—were also recovered from the premises.
Further intelligence-led investigations took police officers to a hospital within the Mowe area, where another alleged victim, Blessing Bright Effiong, 26, had given birth to a baby boy on August 20, 2026.
According to the police, while Effiong was receiving medical treatment, the whereabouts of her newborn could not be established. The attending nurse was consequently arrested as investigators intensified efforts to locate the missing baby.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The police said the investigation is expected to determine the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s operations, locate the missing newborn and ensure that suspects found culpable are prosecuted.
The state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Mowe Division officers for their swift response and operational effectiveness.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling human trafficking, child trading and violent crime across Ogun State.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible information about suspicious individuals or activities.
Members of the public can report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line: 0800 000 9111, or the emergency numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.
