A 30-year-old man, Muraina Abdulahi Opeyemi, has raised concerns over the absence of his estranged wife, Mrs. Olaseinde Temilola Elizabeth, among an interstate child trafficking syndicate paraded by the Nigerian Police, Oyo State Command, at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
Opeyemi alleged that his two-year-old daughter, Muraina and Fridaus, was sold by his former wife, who was part of the syndicate, adding that the child was subsequently recovered during the course of a police investigation.
He said he was surprised that Temilola was not initially among the suspects reportedly paraded by the police on Monday, despite her alleged involvement in the matter.
According to Opeyemi, as of the time of filing this report, his daughter had not been released into his custody by officers of the Oyo State Police Command, despite the child reportedly being recovered.
The father expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding his former wife’s absence from the parade, saying the development had raised questions about the handling of the case.
Opeyemi further alleged that some officers at the police headquarters told him that Temilola was unable to attend the parade because she was indisposed and was allegedly vomiting blood.
However, he said he was not convinced by the explanation, claiming that he was present at the police headquarters but did not observe any obvious indication of such a medical condition while he was there.
He consequently appealed to the Oyo State Police Command to ensure transparency and fairness in the investigation while also calling for the release of his daughter into his custody, subject to appropriate legal and child-protection procedures.
Opeyemi said his primary concern was the safety and welfare of his daughter, adding that he was ready to provide the necessary care and protection for her.
“I am only asking the police to give me my child. She was recovered during the investigation, and I believe I should be allowed to take proper care of her.
“I also want the police to investigate this matter properly and ensure that justice is served. If my ex-wife is found guilty of the allegations against her, she should face the law. This will also serve as a deterrent to others who may want to engage in similar criminal activities,” he said.
He also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities to closely monitor the investigation to ensure that the matter is handled fairly and transparently, stressing that the safety and welfare of the child should remain paramount.
Meanwhile, Opeyemi expressed appreciation to Dr. Yinka Ayefele and the Fresh FM 105.9 team for their support during what he described as a difficult period for his family.
He said the media platform’s professional support and intervention contributed to efforts that eventually led to the recovery of his daughter.
Responding to Opeyemi’s allegations, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade, said no suspect was exempted from the list of individuals paraded by the command on Monday.
According to him, Mrs. Olaseinde Temilola was initially indisposed and was taken to a clinic for medical treatment before she was later presented to the press.
DSP Ayanlade maintained that the Oyo State Police Command would not shield or indulge anyone suspected of committing a crime.
He assured that the command would present all available evidence against Temilola before the court and allow the judicial process to determine the outcome of the case.
The police response notwithstanding, the father is calling for transparency in the handling of the matter and the appropriate release of his daughter, in line with legal and child-protection procedures.
The development has further highlighted concerns surrounding child protection and the need for law enforcement authorities to thoroughly investigate allegations involving the unlawful transfer, trafficking, or sale of children and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
