The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service, has arrested Uadiale Christiana Jacob, popularly known as Christy Gold, a notorious human trafficker who had been on the run for five years.
In a press release on Friday, NAPTIP’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed that Christy Gold was apprehended on December 31, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. She was returning to Nigeria from Dubai when vigilant immigration officers on duty recognized her.
Christy Gold, who led an international trafficking syndicate, was convicted in absentia by the Federal High Court in Asaba in March 2024. Her network lured underage Nigerian girls abroad under the guise of offering jobs but forced them into prostitution upon arrival in Dubai.
After being granted bail during her trial in 2021, she fled Nigeria, evading justice. In February 2023, NAPTIP placed her on a watchlist and worked closely with INTERPOL, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the NIS to track her movements.
NAPTIP revealed that Christy Gold collaborated with several accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and Prophet John, who are still at large. These individuals played key roles in recruiting and trafficking victims to the UAE. Intelligence efforts to apprehend them have been intensified.
Speaking about the arrest, NAPTIP Director General Binta Adamu Bello commended the NIS for their swift action.
“This is a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking. It shows that traffickers can run, but they cannot hide. Justice will always catch up with them,” Bello said.
She emphasized NAPTIP’s dedication to dismantling human trafficking networks, saying, “We are making 2025 a nightmare for human traffickers. No criminal exploiting vulnerable Nigerians will go unpunished.”
NAPTIP confirmed that Christy Gold would be taken to the Federal High Court, Asaba, to face sentencing following her earlier conviction.
