Police Arrest Two in Ondo for Cross-Border Trafficking

The Ondo State Police Command arrested two suspects, Akinlaja Bless Johnson and Ahomari Grace, linked to a cross-border trafficking syndicate following the rescue of a 21-year-old woman who had been trafficked to the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire for sexual exploitation. The victim was deceived with promises of legitimate employment but was forced into prostitution.

She managed to escape from a brothel on April 6, 2026, and contacted her family, who arranged for her return to Nigeria. She arrived safely on April 11, 2026, and was taken to a specialist hospital in Okitipupa for urgent medical attention due to physical and psychological trauma.

The police launched an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the suspects' arrest, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend a third suspect. Abayomi Jimoh, the command's public relations officer, condemned the trafficking as a gross violation of human dignity and urged parents to verify opportunities offered to their children, especially those involving travel abroad.