Security
Ondo Police Dismantle Human Trafficking Syndicate As Victim Escapes Exploitation
… Arrest Two Suspect In Okitipupa
By Joseph Sunday
The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal has dismantled human trafficking syndicate as victims escapes exploitation, leading to the arrest of two suspect in connection to the crime at Okitipupa, in Ondo State.
The Police stated that the arrest was carried out due to a young woman trafficked to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and forced into sexual slavery.
Narrating the incidence, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, for the Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said, “on April 13, 2026, one Mrs. Akinwunmi Olubunmi ‘F’ of Laju Street, Okitipupa, lodged a complaint at the Okitipupa Division that her daughter, Akinwunmi Faith ‘F’, aged 21, was deceitfully trafficked out of Nigeria on the false promise of securing legitimate employment abroad”.
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 transport the victim to Côte d’Ivoire with assurances that she would work as a salesgirl in a supermarket.
However, contrary to what she and her family were told, she was instead forced into prostitution upon arrival. The victim disclosed that she endured inhumane treatment and was coerced into sexual activities.
She further revealed that her handlers administered substances to her and other victims, believed to be used for control and exploitation.
In a courageous turn of events, the victim escaped from the brothel on April 6, 2026, trekking through the bush to a neighboring town where she managed to contact her family.
Arrangements were swiftly made for her return to Nigeria, and she arrived safely on April 11, 2026.
On arrival, she was immediately taken to the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, for urgent medical care due to the severe physical and psychological trauma she suffered.
Responding promptly to the report, operatives of the Command launched intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of two suspects, Akinlaja Blessings ‘F’ and Johnson Ahomari ‘M’. Both are currently in Police custody and cooperating with ongoing investigations.
Efforts are in top gear to apprehend the third suspect, Grace ‘F’, who remains at large, and to dismantle the broader trafficking network behind this heinous crime. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police strongly condemned the act, describing it as inhuman, exploitative, and a gross violation of human dignity.
He assured the public that the Command will ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
The Command urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to thoroughly verify opportunities presented to their children, especially those involving overseas travel.
Members of the public are further encouraged to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support the fight against human trafficking and related crimes.
The Commissioner of Police also expressed 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.