Police Command in Ondo State has busted a sex trafficking syndicate and arrested suspected members.
The Police alleged that the syndicate was exploiting young girls under the guise of job recruitment.
The spokesperson for command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who disclosed this in a statement in Akure, said the suspects were arrested while acting on a credible information.
He explained that one Jayeola Joshua, male, of Alagbaka, Akure, along with two others were arrested for the crime.
According to him, efforts are on to apprehend the remaining accomplices.
Ayanlade disclosed that investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims with false promises of lucrative employment, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements.
“Upon arrival in Akure, 15 victims, aged 20 to 26, were accommodated in an apartment in Alagbaka, which became the operational base for the illicit activities.
“The arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlighted how organized criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of unsuspecting young women seeking legitimate opportunities.
“Further inquiry uncovered that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were subsequently transmitted to clients procuring sexual services.
“The principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, while the operation was disguised as producing “relationship content” on social media, misleading the public and masking criminal intent.
“Evidence indicates that the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities, prompting 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 counseling.
“In line with a victim-centered approach, the Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation, counseling, and reintegration of the victims into society.
“He also issued a marching order that all arrested suspects must be prosecuted and intensified efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices, demonstrating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” the command’s spokesperson said.
