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OndoTrafficking2026 as Ondo Police arrest suspected human traffickers, rescue 14 victims, and uncover trans-border syndicate linked to modern slavery and illegal migration.
The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of suspected human traffickers and the rescue of 14 victims in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Akure on Saturday, noting that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking and related crimes.
Togolese Victim Escapes Traffickers
Jimoh explained that on January 22, a Togolese national, Meale Yaoili, reported at the Yaba Police Station after escaping from a human trafficking syndicate operating within Nigeria.
According to the statement, Yaoili was lured from the Republic of Togo under the false promise of employment in Canada.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, Yaoili’s personal belongings were seized, and he was held against his will after paying 800,000 CFA francs.
Following swift police action, six suspects were arrested in connection with the case. They were identified as Cleude Grao, Samuel Dsiwa, Michael Amissa, Olayiwola Kazeem, Akinubi Adebayo, and Oluwole Vincent, the landlord of the premises where the illegal operation was conducted.
Trans-National Syndicate Uncovered
In a related development, the police uncovered a trans-national criminal syndicate involved in trafficking, illegal migration, and modern-day slavery.
Jimoh said the syndicate operated under the guise of a company engaged in online marketing of various products.
On January 23, a case initially reported as suspected banditry was lodged by Chief Ojomu of Oba-Ile at the Oba-Ile Divisional Headquarters against Umaru Baba and eleven others. The case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Further intelligence indicated that Umaru Baba was at the centre of trans-border criminal activities, including recruitment, trafficking in persons, and modern slavery.
Through his company’s online platform, Baba allegedly lured, recruited, and harboured eleven men and one woman, all illegal migrants, under the false pretext of commission-based marketing jobs.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Combating Trafficking
Jimoh reaffirmed the Ondo State Police Command’s commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies to support ongoing efforts against cross-border crimes.
