No fewer than 10 citizens of the Republic of Benin have been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command over an illegal human trafficking business in the state.
According to the state Commissioner of Police, Lawal Adebowale, who spoke with journalists on the development on Sunday, the suspects were Atouh Joel, Mohamed Amidou, Saibou Akateliwe, Abdul Jahao, and Ndah Severin.
Others include Kumpori Ruth, Kumpori Martin, Tatiana Dianne, Martias Sossa and Ndapola Oba Giov.
The commissioner said, “On July 31, 2025, at about 20.30 pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their respective residences along Oda Road, Akure.
“These individuals were discovered to have illegally smuggled themselves into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin. Some of them were in possession of expired international passports, while others had no valid travel documents whatsoever.
“Investigations revealed that these suspects criminally conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse (male, 29 years, Congolese) into Nigeria without his consent. The victim, who was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance to start an online business. He was later abandoned by the group upon arrival.”
The commissioner noted that the offence allegedly committed by the suspects constituted a clear violation of Nigeria’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws.
“The case has since been transferred to the relevant departments, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and prosecution.
“The victim is safe, in custody of the authorities, and receiving appropriate support,” Adebowale stressed.
The CP urged the people of the state to field the command with useful information that could assist it in the fight against crimes and criminalities across the state.
” The command will continue to count on the support, vigilance, and credible information from the good people of Ondo State. We reaffirm our resolve to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents through lawful, ethical, and responsive policing,”