Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued no fewer than 15 women between the age of 20 and 26 from a sex trafficking and exploitation ring operating in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, revealed that the syndicate operated under the guise of job recruitment and training for social media content creation.
Acting on credible intelligence, the police spokesperson stated that the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested one Jayeola Joshua, a male from Alagbaka, Akure, along with two others connected to the crime.
Ayanlade said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.
“Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from across the country with false promises of lucrative employment, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements.
“Upon arrival in Akure, the 15 victims, aged 20 to 26, were accommodated in an apartment in Alagbaka, which served as the operational base for the illicit activities.
“This arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlights how organised criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of young women seeking legitimate opportunities,” Ayanlade explained.
The PPRO further stated that inquiries uncovered that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were then transmitted to clients purchasing sexual services.
He added that the principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds. At the same time, the operation was disguised as the production of “relationship content” on social media, misleading the public and concealing its criminal nature.
“Evidence indicates that the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities,” Ayanlade said, adding that this prompted the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital, Akure, for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counselling.
The Commissioner of Police, CP CP Adebowale Lawal has ordered that the case be handed over to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation, counselling, and reintegration of the victims into society.
He also ordered that all arrested suspects must be prosecuted, while intensified efforts continue to apprehend the remaining accomplices.
Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s determination to eradicate criminal networks involved in human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
He urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel.
The CP further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can aid in preventing and detecting crime across the state.
