Ogun Police arrest a couple suspected of child stealing in Mowe and rescue three children during an intelligence-led operation

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a husband and wife suspected of involvement in child stealing and rescued three children during a coordinated operation in the Mowe area of the state.

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The Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, identifying the suspects as Oluwarankami Kehinde Ugochukwu and her husband, Ugochukwu Mathew.

According to the police, the case began after a resident of Omo Onile, Mowe, reported that a four-month-old baby was taken from a clinic on May 16, 2026, under the pretence of assistance while the mother rested.

Police detectives were immediately deployed to the area, with motor parks and strategic locations placed under surveillance as part of an intelligence-led search operation.

The suspects were later tracked to a hideout in the Kekere Ekun area of Mowe, where officers rescued the stolen infant along with two other children found in their possession.

Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the rescued children had previously been reported missing in a separate 2024 child-stealing case, allegedly carried out using a similar deceptive method.

The police further confirmed that parents of two of the rescued children have already identified their wards following verification.

The suspects are currently in custody as the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers for their swift response and professionalism, describing the operation as a significant step in tackling child trafficking and related crimes in the state.

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He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against abduction and other violent crimes while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.