Police burst ‘baby factory’ in Ogun, rescue two pregnant women, four children
MOWE, Ogun State — The Ogun State Police Command’s Mowe Division dismantled an illegal baby factory operation on Monday, apprehending six suspects in the process. The raid occurred at approximately 8 a.m. on Toluwalase Street in Abaren Village, within the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
During the operation, authorities rescued two pregnant women, identified as 23-year-old Ilesanmi Foluke, who is seven months pregnant, and 20-year-old Ejekwa Melody, who is eight months pregnant. Additionally, four young children were found at the location.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Oluborode Opeyemi, the operation was based on intelligence gathered by the police. Opeyemi confirmed that systematic human trafficking and illegal adoption practices had been taking place at the facility.
“The operation resulted in the safe rescue of two heavily pregnant women and four children, as well as the arrest of six suspects,” Opeyemi stated. The individuals arrested include Florence Glory Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63, an attending nurse; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and Oseni Kusamotu Idaya.
The police further revealed that a follow-up operation led them to a hospital in the Mowe area, where another victim, 26-year-old Blessing Bright Effiong, had given birth to a baby boy on August 20. The whereabouts of the newborn remain unaccounted for, prompting the arrest of the attending nurse to assist in locating the infant.
The case is being forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for thorough investigation. The department aims to uncover the full scope of the syndicate’s operations, locate the missing newborn, and prosecute all involved parties.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operation and reiterated the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking and child exploitation. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to report any credible information to aid police efforts in ensuring community safety.
