Ondo Police Arrest 10 Foreign Nationals Over Human Trafficking Allegations

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 foreign nationals in connection with an alleged human trafficking network uncovered in Akure, the state capital.

Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed the development on Sunday during a press briefing at the command headquarters. He stated that the suspects, most of whom are nationals of the Republic of Benin, illegally entered Nigeria and were apprehended following intelligence reports about suspicious activities at their residence along Oda Road in Akure.

Lawal revealed that the operation also led to the rescue of a 29-year-old Congolese national, identified as Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse. According to him, the victim was lured into the country under the false promise of being trained in online business but was later abandoned by the group.

“On July 31, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the command arrested 10 foreign nationals in Akure,” the commissioner said. “Our findings revealed that they entered Nigeria from the Republic of Benin without valid travel documents. Some possessed expired passports, while others had no identification at all.”

He added that investigations uncovered a coordinated effort by the suspects to bring the Congolese national into the country under deceptive circumstances, only to leave him stranded upon arrival.

The arrested individuals were identified as Atouh Joel, 37; Mohamed Atta Amidou, 35; Saibou Akateliwe, 33; Abdul Jahao, 26; Ndah Severin, 27; Kumpori Ruth, 19; Kumpori Martin, 31; Tatiana Madous Dianne, 32; Martias Sossa, 22; and Ndapola Oba Giove, 30.

Describing the case as a serious violation of Nigeria’s immigration and anti-human trafficking laws, Lawal confirmed that it had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.

“The rescued victim is safe and currently receiving appropriate care and support from the relevant authorities,” he added.