The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a human trafficking syndicate involving illegal immigrants operating within the Oda axis of Akure, the state capital.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, revealed the development during a press briefing at the command headquarters.
He said the syndicate, made up of nationals from various African countries, entered Nigeria illegally through the Republic of Benin.
According to Lawal, the suspects were arrested in their residence after the police acted on intelligence regarding their suspicious activities.
Among the victims rescued during the operation was a 29-year-old Congolese national, Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, who was reportedly deceived into entering the country under the pretext of being trained in online business.
He said: “On July 31, 2025, about 2.30pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their 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 suspects are Atouh Joel, ‘m’, 37, Mohamed Atta Amidou, ‘m’, 35, Saibou Akateliwe, ‘m’, 33, Abdul Jahao, ‘m’, 26, Ndah Severin, ‘m’, 27, Kumpori Ruth, ‘f’, Kumpori Martin, ‘m’, 31, Tatiana Madous Dianne, ‘f’, 32, Martias Sossa, ‘m’, 22, and Ndapola Oba Giove, ‘m’, 30.”
The Commissioner added that investigations revealed the suspects had conspired to bring Christ-Olse into Nigeria without his consent.
“The victim, who was deceived with a promise of assisting him 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 (NIS) 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.”
