Police bust suspected human trafficking ring in Ondo after dehumanizing woman
Ondo State Police Dismantles Human Trafficking Syndicate, Rescues Victim
The Ondo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a human trafficking syndicate that operated across international borders, rescuing a 21-year-old woman who was allegedly lured to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire under false pretenses of legitimate employment.
Details emerged from a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh. The victim, Akinwunmi Faith, was reportedly deceived on February 22, 2026, by three individuals identified as Akinlaja Blessings, Johnson Ahomari, and a third accomplice named Grace, who remains at large. They promised Faith a position as a supermarket sales assistant.
Her mother, Akinwunmi Olubunmi, reported her daughter missing at the Okitipupa Police Division on April 13, 2026, prompting a police investigation.
Upon her arrival in Côte d’Ivoire, the victim was forced into prostitution and subjected to abusive and exploitative conditions. Law enforcement officials reported that she endured severe mistreatment while under the control of her traffickers.
In a significant turn of events, Faith escaped on April 6, 2026, traversing through a bush path to reach a nearby community where she was able to contact her family. She was subsequently returned to Nigeria on April 11 and taken to the State Specialist Hospital in Okitipupa for immediate medical and psychological treatment.
Responding to intelligence gathered during the investigation, police operatives arrested two suspects, Akinlaja Blessings and Johnson Ahomari, who are now in custody aiding police inquiries. Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect, Grace, are ongoing, as authorities work to dismantle the broader trafficking network.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal condemned the activities of the syndicate, calling them a “gross violation of human dignity,” and assured the public that all involved parties will be held accountable for their actions.
