Segun Atanda/
Authorities in Ekiti State have dismantled an alleged illegal “baby factory” in Ikere-Ekiti, rescuing six children and arresting five suspects in a major law-enforcement operation.
The operation, conducted by the Ekiti State Police Command, followed a credible tip-off received by officers in the early hours of January 24.
Police moved on a property located behind Inisa Hotel and Suites on Ise-Ekiti Road, where they believed an unauthorised maternity-type facility was operating.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner of Police, Joe Eribo, said the intelligence led officers to cordon off the premises and arrest the alleged operator, 43-year-old Onyechi Oluwadare, alongside four others.
Those detained include Onuoha Gloria (28), Victoria Linus (25), Ihegbogu Mercy (21) and Emmanuel Esther (23), the latter reported to be heavily pregnant at the time of arrest.
During the search of the property, police found and took into protective custody six children aged between two and nine, who are believed to have been held at the location under questionable circumstances.
Items recovered by officers included materials associated with childbirth and care, such as baby delivery equipment, rolls of dexamethasone tablets, and bottles of Goya oil.
The rescued children are now with appropriate child welfare agencies while investigations continue to establish their identities, origins and any wider network connected with the alleged operations.
Although the prime suspect denies running a baby factory, claiming the building was used as a prayer centre, the police have said the suspects will face charges once investigations conclude.
The case forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to tackle child exploitation and human trafficking within the state.
Officials have underscored the importance of intelligence-led policing in uncovering clandestine operations that may put vulnerable children at risk, reiterating their commitment to protecting minors and prosecuting offenders.
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