Police Rescue 13-Year-Old Girl from Trafficking in Ondo

On April 23, 2023, at approximately 18:44 hours, the Police Command in Ondo State, led by spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh, intercepted a suspected child trafficking syndicate along the Owena axis. The suspects, Akomolaf Tope, 59, and Ismaila M, 48, were traveling in a Toyota Hummer 18-seater commercial vehicle from Lagos to Abuja when they were arrested at a checkpoint.

Upon thorough scrutiny, a 13-year-old girl was found in their custody under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary questioning revealed that the suspects could not provide credible information regarding the girl's identity or her intended destination, raising strong suspicions of child trafficking.

The suspects were immediately taken into custody, and the minor was rescued and placed in protective care. The case has been transferred to the gender-based offenses unit for a comprehensive investigation, with the police emphasizing their zero tolerance for crimes against children.

Parents and guardians were advised to monitor their children's movements and report any suspicious activities.