Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a human trafficking syndicate comprising illegal immigrants operating in the Oda axis of Akure, the state capital.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, during a briefing at the state headquarters, said the syndicate comprised nationals of various African countries, who came into Nigeria through the Republic of Benin.
Lawal disclosed that the illegal immigrants were nabbed in their residence following intel received about their suspicious activities.
The police boss emphasised that one of the victims, a 29-year-old Congolese national, Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, was lured into the country under the pretence of training him in online business, was rescued during the raid.
He said: “On July 31, 2025, about 2.30pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their 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.
“The suspects are Atouh Joel, ‘m’, 37, Mohamed Atta Amidou, ‘m’, 35, Saibou Akateliwe, ‘m’, 33, Abdul Jahao, ‘m’, 26, Ndah Severin, ‘m’, 27, Kumpori Ruth, ‘f’, Kumpori Martin, ‘m’, 31, Tatiana Madous Dianne, ‘f’, 32, Martias Sossa, ‘m’, 22, and Ndapola Oba Giove, ‘m’, 30.”
Investigations revealed that the suspects criminally conspired to bring Christ-Olse into Nigeria without his consent.
“The CP addrd: “The victim, who was deceived with a promise of assisting him to start an online business, was later abandoned by the group upon arrival.
“This act constitutes 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 (NIS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), for further investigation and prosecution.
“The victim is safe, in custody of the authorities, and receiving appropriate support.”
