Police Dismantle Child Trafficking and Illegal Surrogacy Ring in Ogun, Rescue Seven Children
The Ogun State Police Command has announced the successful dismantling of an organised child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate operating under the guise of a private orphanage in the state. The operation, carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), led to the rescue of seven children and the arrest of five principal suspects.
According to the police, the syndicate was uncovered following a detailed investigation that began with a child abduction report filed late last year. The state police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday.
Babaseyi explained that the case originated on November 28, 2025, when a woman identified as Amara reported the abduction of her six-year-old son, Samuel Honesty, at the Idanyin Divisional Headquarters in Agbara. Preliminary investigations into the incident led to the arrest and prosecution of two individuals, Chioma Honest and Praise Honesty, who were suspected to be involved in the child’s disappearance.
Due to the complexity of the case, it was later transferred from the divisional police headquarters to the SCID for further investigation. A major breakthrough occurred on January 21, 2026, when the abducted child was dropped at Gowon Police Station in Lagos State. During questioning, the boy reportedly told police officers that he had been taken to Joyful Kids Orphanage in Badagry and identified a woman known as Madam Joy as the operator of the facility.
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Acting on this intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out a coordinated operation at the orphanage. During the raid, six additional children were rescued, bringing the total number of recovered minors to seven.
The rescued children were identified as Ramsey Chiedozie (8), Rafael Rofiu (6), Kazeem Chiedozie (6), Segun Uthman (9), Ola Abdulhakeem Abdulrasheed (9), David Oyelese (9), and Samuel Honesty (6). The police confirmed that Samuel Honesty has since been safely reunited with his mother, bringing relief to the family after weeks of uncertainty.
Further investigations at the facility revealed disturbing details about the syndicate’s operations. According to the police, two pregnant young women, both aged 18 and identified as Tanimola Martins and Favour Martins, were found living within the premises. The women allegedly confessed that they were recruited to carry pregnancies on behalf of the syndicate, with the intention of selling their babies to pre-arranged buyers after delivery for a fee of ₦1.5 million per child.
The principal suspect, Joy Chiedozie, also known as Madam Joy, aged 36, was arrested during the operation. She reportedly confessed to purchasing the abducted child, Samuel Honesty, for ₦1.5 million. Police said she allegedly paid ₦900,000 in cash and ₦600,000 via bank transfer to a woman identified only as Kelly, before selling the child to a buyer named Mr Emmanuel, who is currently at large.
Investigators also revealed that Yusuf Adebowale, a 31-year-old driver employed by the orphanage, acted as an uncertified surrogate agent. He allegedly facilitated illegal surrogacy arrangements by connecting pregnant young women with prospective buyers.
Other suspects arrested in connection with the case include Favour Martins (18), Tanimola Martins (18), and Rachael Chiedozie (16). The six children who have not yet been reunited with their families have been formally handed over to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for protective custody, medical evaluation, and family tracing.
DSP Babaseyi said investigations are ongoing to apprehend Mr Emmanuel and other buyers involved in the trafficking ring, trace Kelly and related financial transactions, identify additional victims, and dismantle the wider syndicate.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on child trafficking, illegal adoption, and the exploitation of vulnerable children and young women. It urged members of the public to report suspicious orphanage activities, illegal adoption practices, and human trafficking cases to the nearest police station, assuring residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding the rule of law.