Police dismantle an illegal baby factory in Ikere-Ekiti, rescuing six children and arresting suspects as authorities intensify the fight against crime.
The Ekiti State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and protect vulnerable citizens, following the discovery of a criminal operation in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives uncovered an illegal baby factory hidden within a residential area, leading to multiple arrests and the rescue of children believed to have been held under unlawful conditions.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Joseph Eribo, disclosed the development during a press briefing held in Ado-Ekiti, where he outlined several achievements recorded by the command in recent weeks.
According to him, the operation that led to the discovery was carried out on January 24, 2026, after members of the public provided actionable information regarding suspicious activities behind Inisa Hotel and Suites along Ise-Ekiti Road.
Based on the intelligence received, operatives swiftly moved to the location and conducted a coordinated raid on the premises.
During the operation, a 43-year-old woman, Oluwadare Onyechi, was arrested and identified as the alleged coordinator of the illegal baby factory.
Four other suspects were also taken into custody, including Onuoha Gloria, 28; Victoria Linus, 25; Ihegbogu Mercy, 21; and Emmanuel Esther, a 23-year-old woman who was heavily pregnant at the time of the arrest.
The police commissioner revealed that six children, estimated to be between the ages of two and nine, were rescued from the facility.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the children had been kept in isolation, raising concerns about child trafficking, abuse, and other related offences.
The rescued minors have since been placed under protective care, while arrangements are being made to identify their families and ensure their welfare.
Eribo emphasised that the discovery of the illegal baby factory underscores the importance of community cooperation in crime prevention.
He noted that without the timely information provided by concerned residents, the operation might have continued undetected.
The commissioner assured the public that investigations were ongoing to trace other individuals connected to the syndicate and dismantle any wider network involved in the illicit activity.
Beyond the baby factory operation, the Ekiti State Police Command also recorded significant successes in tackling other forms of criminality across the state.
The commissioner disclosed that five suspects were arrested in connection with armed robbery incidents, while 17 individuals were apprehended for cattle rustling.
Several other suspects were equally arrested for burglary, theft, and related crimes, following sustained intelligence-led operations.
In terms of recoveries, Eribo stated that police operatives retrieved a total of 558 rustled cattle from various locations within and outside the state.
In addition, seven stolen vehicles were recovered, alongside 10 locally fabricated master keys, assorted vehicle plate numbers, and other items believed to be tools used in committing crimes.
These recoveries, he said, reflect the command’s determination to disrupt criminal logistics and restore confidence among residents.
One of the most notable arrests highlighted during the briefing was that of Ibrahim Abubakar, described as a notorious cattle rustler and kidnapping kingpin.
The suspect allegedly operated across Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states, orchestrating large-scale cattle theft and related criminal activities.
According to the police, 255 cattle were recovered from Abubakar during his arrest.
In a related operation, 16 additional suspected cattle rustlers were apprehended in Isan-Ekiti, with 303 cattle recovered from them.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were members of the same criminal network, pointing to a coordinated syndicate operating across multiple states.
The police commissioner said intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration played a crucial role in breaking the network.
Speaking further, Eribo reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring peace and security throughout Ekiti State.
He assured residents that all suspects arrested in connection with the illegal baby factory and other crimes would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, in line with the rule of law.
The commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his continuous support to the security agencies, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing strategic leadership and resources.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that public participation remains vital in the fight against crime.
As the police intensify efforts to dismantle criminal operations such as the illegal baby factory, stakeholders say sustained vigilance, public awareness, and effective prosecution will be key to preventing a recurrence and safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable members of society.
Ireport247news
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