ONDO POLICE DISMANTLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING SYNDICATE, AS VICTIM ESCAPES FROM EXPLOITATION, ARREST TWO SUSPECTS IN OKITIPUPA

The Ondo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal psc(+), mnips has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against human trafficking and exploitation, following the rescue of a young woman who was trafficked to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and subjected to sexual exploitation.

On April 13, 2026, one Mrs. Akinwunmi Olubunmi ‘F’ of Laju Street, Okitipupa, reported at the Okitipupa Division that her daughter, Akinwunmi Faith ‘F’, aged 21 years, had been deceitfully trafficked out of Nigeria under the pretense of securing legitimate employment.

According to the report, on February 22, 2026, three suspects—identified as Akinlaja Blessings ‘F’, Johnson Ahomari ‘M’, and one Grace ‘F’ (currently at large)—allegedly conspired to take the victim to Côte d’Ivoire with the promise of working as a salesgirl in a supermarket.

However, unknown to her and her family, she was instead forced into prostitution. The victim disclosed that she was subjected to inhumane treatment and coerced into engaging in sexual activities. She further revealed that substances were administered to her and other victims by their handlers, believed to be aimed at controlling and exploiting them.

In a dramatic turn of events, the victim managed to escape from the brothel on April 6, 2026, navigating through the bush to a nearby town, where she contacted her family. Arrangements were immediately made for her return to Nigeria, and she arrived safely on April 11, 2026. Upon arrival, she was rushed to the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, for urgent medical attention due to the physical and psychological trauma she endured.

Acting swiftly on the report, operatives of the command through intelligence-led operations tracked down those responsible. This effort resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Akinlaja Blessings ‘F’ and Johnson Ahomari ‘M’, who are currently in Police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

Efforts are in top gear to apprehend the third suspect, Grace ‘F’, who remains at large, as well as to dismantle the wider trafficking network involved in this heinous crime. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the act, describing it as inhuman, exploitative, and a gross violation of human dignity. He assures the public that the Command will ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

The Command also urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and thoroughly verify opportunities presented to their children, especially those involving travel abroad. Members of the public are further encouraged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid in combating human trafficking and related crimes.

The Commissioner of Police also expresses his profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC(+), NPM, for his unwavering support, morale-boosting leadership, and invaluable guidance. Drawing from his wealth of experience, particularly his previous service in Ondo State, the IGP’s consistent encouragement and strategic direction have continued to inspire officers and men of the Command to remain steadfast, professional, and committed to duty.

The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that perpetrators of such criminal acts face the full weight of the law.