10 arrested as police bust human trafficking ring run by illegal immigrants in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 nationals of the Republic of Benin over an illegal human trafficking business in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal Adebowale, disclosed this on Sunday, August 3, 2025 while speaking with journalists in Akure.

The arrested suspects include: Atouh Joel, Mohamed Amidou, Saibou Akateliwe, Abdul Jahao, Ndah Severin, Kumpori Ruth, Kumpori Martin, Tatiana Dianne, Martias Sossa and Ndapola Oba Giov.

“On July 31, 2025, at about 20.30 pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their respective residences along Oda Road, Akure,” the CP stated. 

“These individuals were discovered to have illegally smuggled themselves into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin.

“Some of them were in possession of expired international passports, while others had no valid travel documents whatsoever.

“Investigations revealed that these suspects criminally conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse (male, 29 years, Congolese) into Nigeria without his consent. 

“The victim, who was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance to start an online business. He was later abandoned by the group upon arrival.”

The commissioner noted that offence allegedly committed by the suspects constituted a clear violation of Nigeria’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws.

“The case has since been transferred to the relevant departments, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and prosecution