A husband and wife, Mathew Ugochukwu and Oluwarankami Ugochukwu, have been arrested in Ogun State for stealing a four-month-old baby and two other children in the Mowe area. The couple was apprehended on Monday, following a swift police operation that recovered the children from their hideout in Kekere Ekun, Mowe. The incident, which sparked alarm in the community, began when Oluwarankami visited the mother of the infant, who was admitted in a clinic due to illness. Under the pretense of caring for the baby while the mother rested, she convinced the mother to hand over the child and then absconded with the infant.
Police sources confirmed that the investigation was launched after the mother reported the child missing. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police spokesperson, revealed that detectives from the Mowe Division, led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Folake Afeniforo, mobilized immediately upon receiving credible intelligence. Strategic locations, including motor parks, were placed on red alert to aid in the search. The operation culminated in the recovery of the stolen baby and two other children at around 7:55 pm on Monday.
Babaseyi emphasized that the recovery was made possible through sustained surveillance and reliable intelligence. He disclosed that one of the recovered children had been reported missing earlier in 2024, adding to the gravity of the suspects’ alleged involvement in a broader child trafficking network. The biological parents of all three children were contacted and successfully identified their offspring. The case has now been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran for further investigation to uncover the full extent of the criminal syndicate.
The State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the efforts of the Mowe Division officers for their professionalism and swift response. He reiterated the police command’s firm commitment to combating child trafficking, abduction, and other violent crimes across Ogun State. The arrest of the couple is seen as a significant step in addressing the rising concern over child abductions in the region. Authorities are now working to determine if the suspects were acting alone or as part of a larger criminal network.
This incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance and community cooperation in protecting children. As investigations continue, the recovered children are being cared for by authorities while their families are reunited. The police have urged parents and caregivers to remain cautious, especially when entrusting children to strangers, even under seemingly trustworthy circumstances. The case remains open as law enforcement seeks to bring all those involved to justice.
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