AKURE – Detectives from the Ondo State Police Command have dismantled a cross-border human trafficking syndicate following the rescue of a 21-year-old woman, Akinwunmi Faith, who was lured to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire under the guise of a supermarket job.
The victim, who was promised a legitimate role as a salesgirl, was instead held captive in a brothel and forced into sexual exploitation. Two primary suspects, Akinlaja Blessings and Johnson Ahomari, have been apprehended and are currently in custody, while a third accomplice, identified simply as Grace, remains at large.
A Deceptive Promise
The ordeal began in Okitipupa, where the suspects allegedly approached Faith with an offer of lucrative employment abroad. According to police sources, the reality upon her arrival in Côte d’Ivoire was harrowing. The victim reported being subjected to “inhumane treatment” and claimed that handlers administered unknown substances to her and other captives to ensure compliance and control.
In a daring bid for freedom, Faith managed to escape the facility, trekking through dense bush until she reached a nearby town where she was able to contact her family in Nigeria.
Investigation and Rescue
The rescue operation was triggered by a report filed by the victim’s mother, Mrs. Akinwunmi Olubunmi, at the Okitipupa Police Division. Following her return to Nigeria, Faith was immediately admitted to the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, to receive treatment for severe physical and psychological trauma.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who confirmed the arrests, described the crime as a “gross violation of human dignity.”
”Acting on the report, our operatives utilized intelligence-led operations to track and arrest the suspects,” Jimoh stated. “Efforts are in top gear to apprehend the remaining suspect and dismantle the wider network involved in this heinous crime.”
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Call for Vigilance
The Ondo State Police Command has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians to be wary of “too-good-to-be-true” job offers abroad. DSP Jimoh urged the public to verify all travel and employment opportunities thoroughly and to provide security agencies with timely information to help combat the scourge of human trafficking.
The arrested suspects will be charged to court immediately upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
