The Ekiti State Police Command has uncovered an alleged illegal baby factory in Ikere Local Government Area of the state, arresting five suspects and rescuing six children.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Joe Eribo, said operatives acted on a credible tip-off that led them to a facility operating behind a hotel along Ise-Ekiti Road, Ikere-Ekiti.
The prime suspect, Onyechi Oluwadare (43), was arrested alongside Onuoha Gloria (28), Victoria Linus (25), Ihegbogu Mercy (21) and Emmanuel Esther (23), who was described as heavily pregnant.
According to the police, a search of the premises led to the rescue of six children aged between two and nine, suspected to be victims of illegal confinement and exploitation. Items recovered included baby delivery materials, dexamethasone tablets and bottles of Goya oil.
However, Oluwadare denied running a baby factory, claiming the building was only used for prayer sessions for people seeking divine intervention.
In a related operation, the command also arrested Ibrahim Abubakar, described as a notorious cattle rustler and kidnapper who had been on the wanted list in Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi states.
Police said Abubakar confessed to cattle rustling and attacks on herders over several years, leading to the recovery of 558 cattle, including 255 found in his custody and 303 linked to another suspect.
Investigations are ongoing, the police said.
