Police arrest two men over attempt to steal 3-year-old child in Ondo community

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two men, Adefarati Idowu  and Adepoju Babatunde, for attempting to steal a 3-year-old child in Ogbagi Akoko.  The spokesperson for the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. According to the PPRO, the child's mother, Mrs Olanireti, reported that she sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami, to meet his grandmother, who lives behind her shop. However, shortly after, an alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public who noticed suspicious activity involving the child.  The mother rushed to the scene where she found the suspects attempting to flee the area on a motorcycle with her child.  The childs grandmother intervened by holding onto the motorcycle, while other vigilant residents quickly mobilized and blocked the suspects from escaping.  Police operatives immediately arrived at the scene and the child was successfully rescued unhurt.  The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal Psc(+), mnips wishes to inform the general public of a suspected case of conspiracy and attempted child stealing reported at Ogbagi Akoko on the 22nd of March, 2026, the statement read. "The incident was reported by one Mrs. Olanireti F, who resides at Ioso Street, Ogbagi Akoko. According to her report, she had sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami M, to meet his grandmother who lives behind her shop. "Shortly thereafter, an alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public, one Oni F, who noticed suspicious activity involving the child. "Acting swiftly on the alarm, the complainant rushed to the scene where she discovered two suspects, identified as Adefarati Idowu M and Adepoju Babatunde M attempting to flee the area on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle with her child.  "It was further gathered that the childs grandmother, Mrs. Olawale  F, courageously intervened by holding onto the motorcycle, while other vigilant residents quickly mobilized and blocked the suspects from escaping. Immediately, the police arrived and the child was successfully rescued unhurt. "The suspects were apprehended at the scene through the collective efforts of the community members, and the case has since been transferred to Headquarters for discreet and thorough investigation. "The Command is committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident, including any possible wider criminal network, and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law. "The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, commends the bravery, vigilance, and prompt response of the members of the community, whose collective action prevented what could have resulted in a grievous crime. "This incident underscores the importance of community policing and the critical role citizens play in supporting security agencies. "The Command hereby advises parents and guardians to remain vigilant at all times, particularly in monitoring the movements of their children, while also encouraging members of the public to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or security agency. "CP Lawal also expresses profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC(+), NPM, for his unwavering support, morale-boosting leadership, and invaluable guidance.  "He notes that the IGPs community-anchored policing approach has significantly strengthened the Commands operational drive and contributed to the notable successes recorded in recent times. The Ondo State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state and assures residents that it will continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of all forms of criminality. The post Police arrest two men over attempt to steal 3-year-old child in Ondo community appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.