Police Bust Sex Trafficking Ring in Upscale Akure Neighborhood
Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have successfully rescued fifteen young women from the clutches of a sophisticated sex trafficking syndicate during a well-coordinated sting operation conducted over the weekend.
The dramatic rescue operation took place at a residential apartment in Alagbaka, an affluent area of Akure, where investigators discovered the criminal group had been operating under the false pretense of legitimate job recruitment and social media content creation.
Deceptive Recruitment Tactics Exposed
According to Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade, the victims, aged between 20 and 26 years, fell prey to the syndicate's elaborate deception. The prime suspect, Joshua Jayeola, along with his accomplices, manipulated the young women into sending nude photographs and videos under false promises of employment.
Investigations revealed the criminal network operated across state lines, luring victims from various parts of Nigeria with fabricated offers of lucrative employment opportunities. These included positions in domestic work, ushering jobs, and even overseas placements that never materialized.
"The arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlighted how organised criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of unsuspecting young women seeking legitimate opportunities," Ayanlade stated during the briefing.
Criminal Operation and Ongoing Investigation
The syndicate reportedly distributed the compromising materials to clients who paid for sexual services, with the principal suspect receiving the largest share of the illegal proceeds. To conceal their criminal activities, the operation was disguised as producing 'relationship content' for social media platforms.
Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that the apartment had been specifically rented to facilitate these illegal activities. This discovery prompted the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the expanding investigation.
Following their rescue, the fifteen victims were immediately taken to the Police Hospital in Akure where they received comprehensive medical care, psychological evaluation, and counseling services to help them recover from their traumatic experience.
Commitment to Justice and Victim Support
In demonstration of a victim-centered approach, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the case to the Command's Gender Desk for further investigation, continued counseling, and eventual reintegration of the victims back into society.
The police chief has also issued a marching order ensuring that all arrested suspects face prosecution, while efforts continue to apprehend other accomplices connected to the criminal network.
Ayanlade used the opportunity to issue a strong warning to parents and guardians, urging them to thoroughly verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel for purported employment opportunities.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command's unwavering commitment to dismantling human trafficking and sexual exploitation networks operating within Ondo State, emphasizing that such criminal enterprises would not be tolerated.
