Police bust illegal baby factory in Ekiti, rescue six children

The Ekiti State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an alleged illegal baby factory operating in Ikere Local Government Area of the state, arresting five suspects and rescuing six children believed to have been subjected to exploitation.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr Joe Eribo, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing journalists in Ado-Ekiti. He said the operation followed a credible tip-off received by the command, which led officers to a property located behind a popular hotel along Ise-Ekiti Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

According to the police, the prime suspect, identified as Onyechi Oluwadare, a 43-year-old woman, was arrested alongside four other suspects believed to be her accomplices.

Those arrested include Onuoha Gloria (28), Victoria Linus (25), Ihegbogu Mercy (21), and Emmanuel Esther (23), who was said to be heavily pregnant at the time of the arrest.

In a statement issued by the command, the police said the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 24, 2026.

“The Command received a credible tip-off that the prime suspect, Oluwadare Onyechi, a 43-year-old woman, runs an illegal baby factory alongside four other suspects somewhere behind Inisa Hotel and Suit, along Ise-Ekiti Road, Ikere-Ekiti,” the statement said.

“Upon receipt of the information, operatives of the Command swung into action, cordoned off the premises used for the illegal business and arrested Oluwadare Onyechi and four other accomplices.”

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During a search of the premises, police operatives rescued six children aged between two and nine years, who were reasonably suspected to be under bondage and exploitation. Items recovered at the scene included baby delivery materials, rolls of dexamethasone tablets and several bottles of Goya oil.

The rescued children have since been taken into protective custody, while investigations continue to determine their identities, origins and the full extent of the alleged operation.

However, speaking with investigators, the prime suspect, Onyechi Oluwadare, denied running an illegal baby factory. She claimed that the building was used solely as a prayer centre, where she prayed for individuals seeking divine intervention and favour.

The Ekiti State Police Command said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking, child exploitation and other related crimes across the state.