A Magistrate Court sitting at the Samuel Ilori Court, Ogba, Lagos, has ordered the remand of a woman, Martina Adebayo, also known as Blessing Moses, in Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of child trafficking. The remand order was issued by Magistrate Lateef Owolabi pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.
Bail Granted but Remand Ordered
Magistrate Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, each required to provide evidence of landed property ownership. However, he ordered her remand at the correctional facility until the bail conditions are perfected. The case was adjourned until July 16, 2026, for trial.
Allegations and Arrest
Adebayo was arrested on June 1, 2026, and transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command for investigation. According to police findings, the suspect's daughter, Tosin Adebayo, also known as Tosin Moses, who is currently at large, allegedly lured a 16-year-old human trafficking victim, identified only as Hannah, to Libya in February 2026. The victim was reportedly forced into prostitution upon arrival.
Police operatives visited Adamo, Ikorodu, on June 1, 2026, to arrest the suspects but found only the defendant. She had reportedly travelled from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and was allegedly waiting to be transported to Libya alongside the victim.
Modus Operandi
Investigators alleged that Tosin specialised in recruiting young girls, inviting them to her residence in Adamo before taking them to her mother's home at Lucky Fibre, Itokin Road, Ikorodu. From there, arrangements were made for their movement out of Nigeria. The victim, who had been living with her father in Okonron, Adamo, Ikorodu, was allegedly lured by Tosin in late January 2026. She reportedly travelled through Ghana before arriving in Libya in February 2026 and eventually escaped, returning to Nigeria on May 27, 2026.
Police Investigation and Support
Following the victim's return, the case was transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command on June 1, 2026. The affected girls were taken to a sexual assault referral centre for medical examination and support services.
Charges Filed
In the charge filed by the police between the Commissioner of Police and the defendant, Adebayo and her daughter were accused of conspiring to traffic young girls for prostitution. The charge alleged that between February and March 2026, at No. 12 New Era Street, Parata, Ikorodu, Lagos, the defendant and her daughter conspired to shelter and traffic three girls from Ikorodu to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, for the purpose of prostitution. This offence is punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Court Proceedings
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Adegoke urged the court to remand the defendant for 30 days pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, defence counsel Raji Lateef opposed the application, arguing that the defendant was not a flight risk and would make herself available for trial. The court subsequently admitted the defendant to bail but ordered her remand until the bail conditions are met.
