By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Police Command has dismantled an illegal baby factory operating in Ikere-Ekiti, rescuing six children suspected to be victims of exploitation.
The operation also led to the arrest of five suspects, including the alleged 43-year-old mastermind, Oluwadare Onyechi.
This disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.
He highlighted that these breakthroughs were the result of aggressive, intelligence-led policing aimed at curbing crime across the state.
According to the Commissioner, operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a facility located behind Inisa Hotel along Ise-Ekiti Road on January 24, 2026.
Inside, they discovered six children aged between two and nine years, who were believed to be held in bondage.
Police recovered various incriminating items from the scene, including baby delivery materials, bottles of oil, and rolls of dexamethasone tablets. The prime suspect, Onyechi, was arrested alongside four accomplices.
In a separate crackdown on vehicle theft following public complaints, the Command apprehended a suspected armed robber, Uzobo Friday Agomatiro, in connection with the hijacking of a Toyota Corolla.
His arrest and subsequent confession led to the recovery of multiple fabricated master keys, solar panels, and additional stolen vehicles.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of his accomplices, including individuals responsible for fabricating the master keys used by the syndicate.
The police also dealt a significant blow to cross-border criminal activities with the arrest of Ibrahim Abubakar, described as a notorious kidnapping kingpin and cattle rustler operating across Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states. His capture led to the recovery of 255 rustled cattle.
In a related operation in a forest near Isan-Ekiti, operatives arrested 16 gang members linked to Abubakar and recovered an additional 303 cattle, bringing the total recovery to 558 livestock.
Furthermore, the Command intercepted Ogekore Tiresimi Tosin, a suspect alleged to have burgled shops across several towns. His confession led investigators to hideouts in neighboring states where stolen goods and vehicles were recovered.
Additionally, the police successfully retrieved most of the N13 million worth of SIM registration devices stolen from an MTN office in Ado-Ekiti.
The Commissioner further assured the public that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support in boosting officer morale, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the authorities.