Ogun Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate: Seven Children Rescued, Five Arrested, ₦1.5 Million Per Baby Racket Exposed

The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled a sophisticated child trafficking and illegal surrogacy network operating under the guise of an orphanage, rescuing seven children and arresting five suspects in a major breakthrough. Investigators revealed that the syndicate sold babies for as much as ₦1.5 million each. 

The investigation began on 28th November 2025, when Amara reported the abduction of her six-year-old son, Samuel Honesty, at Idanyin Divisional Headquarters. Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of Chioma Honest and Praise Honesty, suspected of involvement. The case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.

On 21st January 2026, Samuel was safely returned at Gowon Police Station, Lagos State. He disclosed that he had been taken to Joyful Kids Orphanage in Badagry, operated by 36-year-old Joy Chiedozie, popularly known as Madam Joy. Acting on this information, police conducted a coordinated raid on the orphanage, rescuing six additional children: Ramsey Chiedozie (8), Rafael Rofiu (6), Kazeem Chiedozie (6), Segun Uthman (9), Ola Abdulhakeem Abdulrasheed (9), and David Oyelese (9).

During the operation, two pregnant teenagers, Tanimola Martins (18) and Favour Martins (18), were found at the facility. They confessed they were recruited to carry pregnancies intended for sale upon delivery at a price of ₦1.5 million per child, facilitated by the orphanage operator.

The investigation further revealed that Madam Joy purchased Samuel Honesty for ₦1.5 million, paying ₦900,000 in cash and ₦600,000 via bank transfer to a woman named Kelly. Samuel was then sold to a man identified only as Mr. Emmanuel, who is currently at large. Yusuf Adebowale, 31, the orphanage driver, also served as an unlicensed surrogate agent, connecting pregnant girls to prospective buyers. Other suspects arrested include Rachael Chiedozie,16 and the two pregnant teens, Tanimola and Favour Martins.

The rescued children have been handed over to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for protective custody, welfare assessment, and family tracing. Investigations are ongoing to track down Mr. Emmanuel, trace financial transactions, identify additional victims, and dismantle the broader trafficking network.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo Ph.D., reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for child trafficking and exploitation. He urged the public to report suspicious orphanage operations, illegal adoptions, and other human trafficking activities to the nearest police station.

“The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives, protecting vulnerable citizens, and upholding the rule of law,” CP Ogunlowo said.