The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 nationals of the Republic of Benin in connection with an illegal human trafficking operation uncovered in Akure, the state capital.
The suspects — identified as Atouh Joel, Mohamed Amidou, Saibou Akateliwe, Abdul Jahao, Ndah Severin, Kumpori Ruth, Kumpori Martin, Tatiana Dianne, Martias Sossa, and Ndapola Oba Giov — were apprehended on July 31, 2025, by police operatives along Oda Road in Akure.
According to the state police command, the group had unlawfully smuggled themselves into Nigeria from Benin Republic.
Investigations revealed that several members of the group possessed expired passports, while others lacked any form of valid travel documents.
Further inquiry revealed that the group conspired to illegally traffic a 29-year-old Congolese national, Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, into Nigeria without his consent.
The state Commissioner of Police, Lawal Adebowale explained that Nzaou was reportedly lured with false promises of support to start an online business and was later abandoned after arrival.
Adebowale said, “On July 31, 2025, at about 20.30 pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their respective residences along Oda Road, Akure. These individuals were discovered to have illegally smuggled themselves into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin. Some of them had expired passports, while others had no valid travel documents whatsoever.
“Investigations revealed that these suspects criminally conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse (male, 29 years, Congolese) into Nigeria without his consent. The victim was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance to start an online business. He was later abandoned by the group upon arrival.”
The commissioner added that that the offence allegedly committed by the suspects constituted 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 and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.
“The victim is safe, in the custody of the authorities, and receiving appropriate support.
“The command will continue to count on the support, vigilance, and credible information from the good people of Ondo State. We reaffirm our resolve to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents through lawful, ethical, and responsive policing,” he said.
However, Adebowale urged the people of the state to field the command with useful information that could assist it in the fight against crimes and criminality across the state.