Child Trafficking Ring Busted: Babies Sold for N500,000 in Shocking Nigerian Scheme

A dark web of child trafficking has been uncovered in Nigeria, sending shockwaves across the nation. Police have busted a ring that was stealing and selling babies for profit, with the horrifying details emerging in a recent investigation. This isn’t just another crime; it’s a brutal exploitation of the most vulnerable.

Here’s what we know:

  • The Scheme: A ruthless operation stealing babies and toddlers.
  • The Players: A couple working with an ‘orphanage’ director.
  • The Price: Babies sold for as much as N500,000 each.
  • The Locations: Operations spanned across Ondo, Osun, and Anambra States.

The Gruesome Discovery

In a coordinated sting operation, the Ondo State Police Command apprehended three individuals allegedly involved in a child trafficking syndicate. The suspects, Lukman Isiaka (43) and Abosede Olanipekun (23), a couple, and Sabira Izuorah (68), were found with 14 stolen babies and toddlers. These children were snatched from Akure, the state capital, and Ilesa, Osun State, and smuggled to Izuorah’s ‘orphanage’ in Ihiala, Anambra State.

How They Operated

Lukman and Abosede confessed to luring children with promises of snacks before whisking them away. After the children were abducted, they were transported to Izuorah, who claimed to run a registered orphanage. However, the operation was far from legitimate. The babies, some as young as two weeks old, were sold for a staggering sum to adoptive parents.

The Modus Operandi:

  • Lure: Using sweets and biscuits to attract children
  • Transport: Moving the children from Ondo and Osun to Anambra
  • Sale: Selling each child for N500,000 or more to adoptive parents

The Traffickers’ Confessions

Izuorah, who claims to be a retired Director from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra, stated that her ‘Clarion Children’s Care and Reforms Initiatives’ was a registered orphanage. She admitted to receiving 11 children from Lukman and Abosede, but claimed she does not get paid by the couple, rather the adoptive parents provide her with food items and supplies. But Lukman confessed that Izuorah paid him N500,000 per child, and she would then sell them to adoptive parents for N1 million or more. This operation, Lukman stated, has been running since 2023.

Police Intervention

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, praised the police for their efforts in rescuing the victims. The arrest of Lukman and Abosede in Ottah village, Edo State, led the authorities to Izuorah in Anambra State. A missing child case reported in Akure sparked the investigation and unveiled this trafficking network. It was discovered that Abosede had deceived a mother by claiming to buy biscuits for her child, while Lukman lured the mother to a market, only to abandon her. When she returned, her child was gone.

What’s Next?

The police have stated that some children are still missing and efforts are underway to locate and rescue them. All suspects will face charges once the investigation is complete.

The disturbing details of this child trafficking ring highlights the cruel reality that vulnerable children face. The swift action of the police has brought this operation to light and serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Nigeria.

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