May 21, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, have successfully rescued a 10-year-old boy, Eriponmile Omolewo, from a notorious syndicate involved in child trafficking and organ harvesting.
The boy was kidnapped from the Ijoka area of Akure, the state capital, and was traced to a hospital in the eastern part of Nigeria, where he was scheduled for organ harvesting before being rescued.
According to Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of Amotekun in Ondo State, the rescue operation was swift and strategic, following a distress call from the boy’s community.
“We received a distress call from the Ijoka Davog area that Eriponmile had been kidnapped. Within 48 hours, our indicators showed he was already outside the state,” Adeleye said.
The Amotekun Corps deployed their dragnet and plainclothes operatives, and by the grace of God, they were able to locate the boy in a hospital in the East and safely bring him back to be reunited with his parents.
Several suspected members of the trafficking and organ harvesting syndicate have been arrested, including Amaka Ngozi, Ifeanyi, Adaeze Kenneth, Etose, Omolara, and two others still being tracked.
According to Adeleye, the syndicate has been operating for a long time, with many children already kidnapped for rituals and organ trade.
In a shocking confession, Amaka Kenneth, 35, admitted to being part of the illegal operation.
“I used to sell clothes before my husband died. Now I take babies to a motherless babies’ home in Onitsha and sell each for ₦500,000,” she confessed.
Another woman, whose identity was not fully disclosed, admitted to selling her own child. “I gave them my son — Jessica, Segun, and Ojo.
I sold my one-year-old baby for ₦500,000. But after tests, they said he was AS genotype and couldn’t be used.”
The father of the rescued boy, Mr. Eriseun Omolewo, expressed deep gratitude to the Ondo State Government and Amotekun for their prompt intervention.
“We had been searching for my son since last Tuesday. Today, to the glory of God, they called to say he had been found. I appreciate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Amotekun for their effort,” he said.
The rescue highlights the growing threat of child trafficking and organ harvesting across Nigeria and the urgent need for more robust child protection measures.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as the syndicate’s network is dismantled.
The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of children in the state.
The rescue operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the Amotekun Corps in tackling security challenges in the state.
As the investigation continues, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
