Teen girl trafficked from Imo to Lagos exposes shocking abuse claims as police rescue victims and arrest suspects in Lagos
A 16-year-old girl identified as Chidinma has told officers of the Lagos State Police Command how she was allegedly trafficked from Imo State to Lagos and forced into sexual exploitation under a suspected syndicate operating in Lagos Island.
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Chidinma recounted her experience at the police command, alleging she was deceived with promises of vocational training in baking before being taken to Lagos by a 28-year-old woman identified as Princess Andrew.
The teenager said she was taken to a building around Balogun Market, where she was allegedly coerced into meeting multiple men daily and subjected to drugging, intimidation and severe physical abuse.
In a tearful account, Chidinma described a disturbing pattern of exploitation and violence, saying she was controlled, threatened and beaten whenever she resisted or sought help.
She further alleged that she was given substances that left her disoriented and unable to resist, describing the experience as traumatic and life-threatening.
Her escape reportedly came after a violent confrontation with her alleged trafficker, after which she fled and eventually found assistance that led her to a police station in the Surulere area.
Chidinma said she was later taken for medical attention after she was discovered in a critical condition by officers at the Bode Thomas Division.
A police source said the intervention followed a report from a Good Samaritan who found the injured teenager wandering in Surulere.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed that investigations revealed a suspected trafficking network targeting vulnerable underage girls.
He stated that operatives had rescued multiple victims and arrested two suspects in connection with the case, while further investigations were ongoing.
However, the alleged trafficker, Princess Andrew, denied the accusations, insisting she was not running a prostitution network and claimed she merely assisted the teenager with accommodation after her arrival in Lagos.
Andrew also disputed the victim’s age claim, alleging that Chidinma was older than stated and known to her prior to the incident.
Despite the denial, police say evidence gathered so far points to an organised exploitation ring that may have affected several young girls, with investigations continuing to trace other victims.
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The case has triggered renewed concern over human trafficking and the exploitation of minors in urban centres.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
