Court Orders Remand Pending Further Investigation
An Ondo State Magistrate Court sitting in Akure has ordered the remand of Sabira Izuora, Lukman Isiaka, and Abosede Olanipekun in prison custody for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and sale of 14 children.
The three suspects were accused of abducting four babies and 10 underage children from Osun and Ondo states and selling them for profit.
Kidnapping and Child Trafficking Network Uncovered
According to the Ondo State Police Command, Isiaka and Olanipekun were responsible for kidnapping the children, while Izuora, a 62-year-old operator of an orphanage in Enugu State, allegedly purchased the children for N500,000 each and resold them to her customers for N1 million per child.
Police Investigation and Charges
During the parade of the suspects, Ondo State Commissioner of Police Mr. Wilfred Afolabi revealed that the trio had been arrested following an investigation into multiple cases of child abduction.
The suspects were arraigned on seven charges, including:
- Conspiracy
- Abduction
- Obtaining by false pretenses
- Aiding and abetting
- Felony
The prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Omhenimhen, provided details of two specific incidents:
- On July 21, 2023, Olanipekun and Isiaka allegedly abducted a child, Ayomide Abass, from his mother, Korede Abass, in Akure.
- On August 27, 2024, the suspects reportedly abducted a nine-month-old baby, Bright, from her mother, Patience Oliver, in Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.
Izuora allegedly paid N900,000 for each child, fully aware that they had been stolen.
Legal Framework and Court Proceedings
The prosecutor argued that the offences violated Sections 516 and 317(1) of the Criminal Code and Sections 3(1)(b) and 5(1) of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010.
Inspector Omhenimhen requested the court to remand the suspects at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure pending advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Magistrate’s Ruling
Magistrate Taiwo Lebi ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the defendants’ pleas. He ordered their remand at the Olokuta Correctional Centre and directed that the case file be forwarded to the DPP for legal advice.
The case was adjourned until April 10, 2025, for further mention.
Community Outrage and Legal Implications
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for strict penalties against child traffickers. This incident also underscores the urgent need to strengthen enforcement of anti-kidnapping laws and improve child protection measures.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the trafficking network, with additional charges and arrests possible as the case progresses.
