Child Trafficking Reveals: Suspects Admit to Stealing Children in Ilesa, Ondo for Sale in Anambra
Three individuals accused of involvement in child trafficking have been arrested by the Ondo State Police after a coordinated operation. The suspects, Lukman Isiaka (43), Abosede Olanipekun (23), and Sabira Izuorah (68), were apprehended with 14 babies and toddlers, who were taken from Akure, Ondo State, and Ilesa, Osun State.
The children were found at an orphanage in Ihiala, Anambra State, run by Izuorah. According to Izuorah, she had been receiving children from the couple, Lukman and Abosede, for adoption through her registered orphanage, Clarion Children’s Care and Reforms Initiatives, since 2020. However, she claimed that she had stopped accepting children from the couple as of November 2024.
During questioning, Izuorah explained that while she did not pay the couple directly, the adoptive parents provided goods and supplies as compensation. She denied knowledge of the illicit nature of the trade, stating that her involvement only began when the couple approached her with the children.
Lukman, a bricklayer, confessed to the crime, revealing that he and his wife had been abducting children since 2023. He explained their method: luring children with promises of snacks, then taking them on a bike ride to Anambra, where Izuorah would pay them ₦500,000 for each child. He also mentioned that Izuorah would sell the children for much higher prices, often around ₦1 million or more.
The police operation was sparked by a complaint in Akure, where a mother reported that her child had been abducted by Abosede, who had lured her with the promise of buying biscuits. Lukman distracted the mother, and when the woman returned, her child was missing. Police later traced the couple to Edo State and, with their help, located Izuorah in Anambra.
The police also noted that some children are still missing, and investigations are ongoing to locate and rescue them. The suspects are expected to face charges after the investigation is completed.
