INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Wanted Over Human, Drug Trafficking

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has declared 14 Nigerians wanted for various offences, including human and drug trafficking, robbery, cheating, and forgery.

The development followed Red Notices issued by INTERPOL at the request of different countries where the alleged crimes were committed.

The Red Notices, published on the INTERPOL website, identified the individuals as Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, Alachi Stanley, Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus, and Mary Eze.

Omoregie was wanted by Belgian authorities for allegedly leading a criminal organisation that exploits minors for prostitution.

The notice states, “Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of minors over 16 years of age; Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of another person/Leader of a criminal organisation/Human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation.”

Similarly, Jessica Edosomwan was wanted by French authorities for trafficking multiple victims in an organised operation aimed at concealing or converting proceeds of crime.

Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, and Chinedu Ezeunara were wanted in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, respectively, for drug trafficking offences. Meanwhile, Benedict Okoro was being sought by Nicaragua for alleged involvement in organised crime.

In Angola, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, Akachi Vitus, and Alachi Stanley were wanted for kidnapping, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

Mary Eze was wanted by Denmark for alleged human trafficking, while Bouhari Salif is being sought by Chinese authorities for drug smuggling. Timloh Nkem was wanted in Canada for alleged sexual assault and failure to comply with a recognisance condition.

In India, Austine Costa was wanted for “criminal conspiracy, forgery of valuable security, and possession of forged documents,” while Okromi Festus faced similar charges, including conspiracy and cheating.

INTERPOL clarified the purpose of its Red Notices, stating:, “A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant.”

The organisation emphasised that individuals listed in Red Notices were wanted by the requesting member countries or international tribunals. It called on members of the public to report any information about these individuals to their local police authorities.