Police Bust Cross-Border Human Trafficking Syndicate in Ondo

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

Command public relations officer Abayomi Jimoh disclosed in a statement on Monday that the victim was deceived with a promise of legitimate employment before being forced into prostitution abroad.

The case was reported on April 13 at the Okitipupa Division by one Akinwunmi Olubunmi, who raised the alarm over the disappearance of her daughter. Investigations revealed that on February 22, three suspects — identified as Akinlaja Blessings, Johnson Ahomari, and one Grace, who is currently at large — allegedly conspired to traffic the victim out of Nigeria under the guise of securing a job as a salesgirl in a supermarket.

Victim subjected to inhumane treatment

The victim was instead subjected to prostitution and inhumane treatment, forced into sexual activities and administered substances believed to aid her exploitation.

Jimoh said the victim managed to escape from the brothel on April 6, fleeing through a bush path to a nearby town, where she contacted her family. She was subsequently assisted back to Nigeria and arrived safely on April 11, after which she was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

“The victim disclosed that she was subjected to inhumane treatment and coerced into engaging in sexual activities,” the statement read. “She further revealed that substances were administered to her and other victims by their handlers, believed to be aimed at controlling and exploiting them.”

Two suspects in custody

Operatives launched an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of two suspects, Akinlaja Blessings and Johnson Ahomari, who are currently in custody and assisting with investigations.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the third suspect, Grace, and dismantle the wider trafficking network linked to the crime.

The state’s Commissioner of Police condemned the act, describing it as inhuman and a gross violation of human dignity, while assuring that all those involved would be brought to justice.

Sources: Punch, Western Post, Daily Post, Reuben Abati