The Ogun State Police Command has busted a child trafficking syndicate that was acting as an orphanage in an Abeokuta surburb .
The syndicate also operated an illegal surrogacy network under the guise of an orphanage.
Already, five suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal orphanage ,while seven children have been rescued by the police. Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate was selling one baby for ₦1.5 million .
Investigation into the matter began on November 28, 2025, when one Amara reported the abduction of her six-year-old son, Samuel Honesty, at Idanyin Divisional Headquarters. Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of Chioma Honesty and Praise Honesty, suspected to be involved in the abduction of the baby .
The case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for detailed investigation.
On January 21,2026, 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, the police conducted a coordinated raid on the orphanage, rescuing six additional children: Ramsey Chiedozie, eight, Rafael Rofiu, six , Kazeem Chiedozie sex, Segun Uthman,nine , Ola Abdulhakeem Abdulrasheed,nine and David Oyelese ,nine .
A senior police officer, said,”During the operation, two pregnant teenagers: Tanimola Martins,18 and Favour Martins, 18, were found at the facility. They confessed that they were recruited to carry pregnancies intended for sale upon delivery for ₦1.5 million per child, facilitated by the orphanage operator.
” 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, Kelly. Samuel, who then, sold the baby to one 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 Emmanuel, trace financial transactions, identify additional victims, and dismantle the broader trafficking network.”
Ogun State Commissioner of Police,Lanre Ogunlowo 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.
