The Ondo State Police Command, at the weekend, apprehended a human trafficking syndicate comprising illegal immigrants operating in the Oda axis of Akure, the state capital.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, during a press briefing at the state headquarters of the command, the syndicate, who were nationals of various African countries, 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 Chief in the state emphasized that one of their victims, a 29-year-old Congolese national, Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, who was lured into the country under the pretence of training him in online business, was rescued during the raid.

He said, “On the 31st of July, 2025, at about 1430 hrs, 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.

“The arrested suspects are as follows: Atouh Joel – Male, 37 years, Mohamed Atta Amidou – Male, 35 years, Saibou Akateliwe – Male, 33 years, Abdul Jahao – Male, 26 years, Ndah Severin – Male, 27 years, Kumpori Ruth – Female, 19 years, Kumpori Martin – Male, 31 years, Tatiana Madous Dianne – Female, 32 years, Martias Sossa – Male, 22 years, and Ndapola Oba Giove – Male, 30 years.

“Investigations revealed that these suspects criminally conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse (male, 29 years old, Congolese) into Nigeria without his consent. The victim, who was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance 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 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.” (The Guardian)