Ogun State Police Command has successfully dismantled a child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate, rescuing seven children and arresting five key suspects in a major breakthrough against human exploitation.
Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo explained that investigations revealed that the syndicate was selling babies at the alarming rate of ₦1.5 million per child.
The operation, conducted by the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, followed the transfer of the case from Idanyin Divisional Headquarters. It began after the reported abduction of six-year-old Samuel Honesty on 28 November 2025.
The abducted child was later found at Gowon Police Station, Lagos State, on 21 January 2026 and identified the Joyful Kids Orphanage in Badagry, operated by 36-year-old Joy Chiedozie, also known as Madam Joy.
Acting on the intelligence, operatives raided the orphanage, rescuing six additional children, Ramsey Chiedozie (8), Rafael Rofiu (6), Kazeem Chiedozie (6), Segun Uthman (9), Ola Abdulhakeem Abdulrasheed (9), and David Oyelese (9). Samuel Honesty was safely reunited with his mother, bringing relief to the family.
During the raid, two pregnant women, Tanimola Martins (18) and Favour Martins (18), revealed that they were recruited to carry pregnancies intended for sale to pre-arranged buyers.
Madam Joy confessed to buying the abducted child for ₦1.5 million, partially paying the sum via cash and bank transfer to an accomplice known as Kelly, before selling the child to a man identified as Mr. Emmanuel, who remains at large.
Other suspects arrested include Yusuf Adebowale (31), the orphanage driver and uncertified surrogate agent, along with Martins Favour (18), Tanimola Martins (18), and Rachael Chiedozie (16). The rescued children have been placed under the protective custody of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for welfare assessment and family tracing.
CP Ogunlowo noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects, trace financial transactions, and dismantle the wider trafficking network.
According to him, Ogun State Police Command reiterated its zero tolerance for child trafficking and illegal adoption, urging the public to report suspicious orphanage operations and human trafficking activities to the nearest police station.
“The Command remains fully committed to protecting vulnerable citizens and upholding the rule of law,” the CP said.
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