Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Ari Mohammed revealed the details to journalists in Lagos, stating that the police acted undercover as the herbalist who wanted to assist the suspects in using the boy for the ritual.
The operatives engaged in discussions with the boy's father, his brother living in Nigeria, and two Nigerians involved in the illicit act.
According to AIG Mohammed, Mr. Banda, the father, brought his son to Nigeria on the pretext of securing a housemaid job for him. Instead, the boy was handed over to a man identified as Baba Shina, who later disappeared. After a month, the boy was taken back to Cotonou, and N35,000 was given to his father as a salary to mislead the child. However, between June 17 and 23, Mr. Banda brought the boy back to Nigeria for the purpose of money-making rituals, with the involvement of other suspects.
The four suspects were apprehended at Sango Ota in Ogun, where the presumed native doctor's location was identified. All the suspects involved have confessed to their crimes. The police plan to charge them to court upon completing the investigation.
During interrogation, Mr. Banda admitted that poverty drove him to consider using his fifth child for the ritual. He called his brother living in Nigeria, Mr. Balobi, seeking a house help job and assistance with the money ritual. Mr. Balobi connected him with one Baba Shina, who is now on the run. Mr. Banda's son was taken to Baba Shina's house for further involvement in the ritual.
Mr. Koshelu, another suspect, clarified that when Mr. Banda brought his son from the Benin Republic, Baba Shina, the boy's master, informed him of their intention to use the child for a money ritual. Though Mr. Koshelu denied any knowledge of rituals, he promised to seek assistance from a friend in the Oja Odan area of Ogun to find a herbalist.
The Zone 2 Police Command has demonstrated its commitment to combating such heinous crimes and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The case highlights the need for vigilance and awareness among communities to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from falling victim to such criminal activities. As investigations continue, the police will work to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
(NAN)