The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two Cameroonian nationals suspected of being part of a human trafficking syndicate that allegedly lured and kidnapped victims under the pretext of visa processing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday.
Odutola identified the suspects as Ndzana Kamga Isidore and Tingue Stephen, saying they were apprehended by officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Mowe.
She said the arrests followed a distress call from a Cameroonian victim who had escaped captivity.
“She explained further that the victim was deceived from Cameroon into Nigeria on Sept. 29 by one Donald, who is also a Cameroonian, and promised to help her secure a Canadian visa.
“Upon her arrival at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, she and her 23-year-old sister were taken to the Mowe area in Ogun, where they were held hostage.
“Following credible intelligence, our tactical team stormed the criminal hideout at Pakuro, Mowe, and rescued one victim, Kengne Maeva, unhurt.
“Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while the principal suspect, Donald, is currently at large,” Odutola said.
She added that preliminary investigations revealed the victims’ family had paid a ransom of 3.6 million CFA francs into the bank account of the fleeing suspect, Donald.
According to her, Commissioner of Police CP Lanre Ogunlowo has ordered sustained surveillance on similar criminal trends.
She said the commissioner has also directed tactical commanders to collaborate with community leaders and development associations to report suspicious foreign nationals renting apartments.
“The Ogun Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to ensure that criminals find no hiding place in the state,” Odutola stressed.
