Police Bust Child Trafficking Syndicate Operating As Orphanage Home & Rescue 7 Victims

KINGSLEY EBERE 

Police operatives from the Ogun State Police Command have busted an organised child trafficking and illegal surrogacy syndicate operating under the guise of an orphanage facility and rescued seven victims during the coordinated operation. 

 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the  principal suspect, a 36-year-old woman, Joy Chiedozie popularly known as Madam Joy, has been arrested at the orphanage in connection with the child trafficking.

This was disclosed by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police,  Lanre Ogunlowe and confirmed that seven children were rescued, and five principal suspects were arrested in the course of the operation.

The Police boss stated that this was achieved by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department following the transfer of the case from Idanyin Divisional Headquarters.

 

According to CP Lanre Ogunlowe, the case began on 28th November, 2025, when one Amara reported the abduction of her six-year-old son, Samuel Honesty, at Idanyin Divisional Headquarters.”
“Preliminary investigations led to the arrest and prosecution of Chioma Honesty and Praise Honesty for suspected foul play. Following the report, the case was transferred to the SCID for in-depth investigation.”

“On 21st January, 2026, the abducted child was dropped at Gowon Police Station, Lagos State, where he stated that he had been taken to Joyful Kids Orphanage, Badagry, and identified Madam Joy as the operator of the facility.”

“Acting on this intelligence, operatives conducted a coordinated operation at the orphanage.”

“The principal suspect, Joy Chiedozie (36 years), also known as Madam Joy, was arrested at the orphanage. She confessed to purchasing the abducted child for ₦1.5 million, paying ₦900,000 in cash and ₦600,000 via bank transfer to a woman known as Kelly, and subsequently selling the child to one Mr Emmanuel, who is currently at large.”

 

The Police stated that the matter is undergoing investigation and the suspects will be charged before Court for prosecution after the conclusion of investigation by the Police.