The Ondo State Police Command says it has uncovered and dismantled a sex trafficking network operating in Akure, rescuing 15 young women who were allegedly lured with fake job offers and coerced into sexual exploitation.
In a statement released on Sunday in Akure, the command’s spokesperson, SP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed that three suspects, including the alleged ringleader identified as Jayeola Joshua, have been arrested. Others linked to the syndicate are currently being tracked, he added.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, aged between 20 and 26, were recruited from different states across Nigeria with promises of well-paid domestic work, ushering opportunities, and even supposed chances to travel abroad for employment.
“Our findings show that the victims were deceived with enticing offers of legitimate jobs. On arrival, they were confined and pressured into sexual activities while their nude photos and videos were circulated to clients,” Ayanlade said.
He explained that the operation was masked online as “relationship and lifestyle content creation” to mislead the public and disguise the criminal activities taking place in an apartment at Alagbaka, Akure.
“The suspects manipulated the girls emotionally and financially. The prime suspect received the highest share of the profits, while the operation was intentionally set up to exploit the victims’ vulnerability,” he added.
The command noted that the apartment was specifically rented for the trafficking enterprise, prompting the Commissioner of Police to order that the landlord be invited for questioning.
The rescued victims have been taken to the Police Hospital in Akure to receive medical care, psychological support, and counselling.
The Commissioner of Police directed that the case be transferred to the Gender Desk Unit for further investigation and rehabilitation arrangements for the victims.
“This command will ensure that all suspects involved in this criminal network are prosecuted. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” Ayanlade said.
He urged parents and guardians to thoroughly scrutinize job offers presented to their children and to be cautious of online recruitment schemes.
“We call on the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities. Community support remains critical in stopping these forms of crime,” he added.
