JUST IN: ONDO POLICE CRACK HUMAN TRAFFICKING RING, RESCUE 21-YEAR-OLD VICTIM FROM CÔTE D’IVOIRE

ONDO POLICE CRACK HUMAN TRAFFICKING RING, RESCUE 21-YEAR-OLD VICTIM FROM CÔTE D’IVOIRE


The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected human trafficking syndicate and rescued a 21-year-old woman who was trafficked to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and subjected to sexual exploitation.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the breakthrough followed a report filed on April 13, 2026, by Mrs. Akinwunmi Olubunmi at the Okitipupa Police Division. She reported that her daughter, Akinwunmi Faith, had been lured out of Nigeria under the guise of securing legitimate employment abroad.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on February 22, 2026, three suspects identified as Akinlaja Blessings, Johnson Ahomari, and one Grace, who is currently at large, allegedly conspired to traffic the victim to Côte d’Ivoire with promises of a sales job in a supermarket.

However, upon arrival, the victim was reportedly forced into prostitution and subjected to inhumane conditions. She disclosed that she and other victims were allegedly coerced into sexual activities and administered substances believed to have been used to control and exploit them.

In a dramatic escape on April 6, 2026, the victim fled from the brothel, making her way through a bush path to a nearby town, where she contacted her family. Arrangements were subsequently made for her return to Nigeria, and she arrived safely on April 11, 2026.

Following her return, she was immediately taken to the State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa for medical treatment due to the physical and psychological trauma she experienced.

Acting on intelligence, police operatives launched a targeted operation that led to the arrest of two suspects, Akinlaja Blessings and Johnson Ahomari. Both are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third suspect, identified simply as Grace, and to dismantle the wider trafficking network linked to the crime. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, condemned the incident, describing it as a gross violation of human dignity and an inhumane act. He assured the public that all individuals involved would be brought to justice.

The Command also advised parents and guardians to exercise caution and thoroughly verify opportunities presented to their children, particularly those involving travel abroad. It urged members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies to aid efforts in combating human trafficking.

The Commissioner further acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, noting that the leadership and strategic direction of the police hierarchy continue to strengthen operations across the state.

The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators of trafficking and related crimes face the full weight of the law.

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