Ondo sex trafficking syndicate busted by police in Akure; 15 victims rescued, three suspects arrested, says DSP Ayanlade

The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a notorious sex trafficking syndicate that exploited young women under the pretext of job recruitment and social media content creation.

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According to a statement issued on Sunday in Akure by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the operation led to the arrest of three suspects, including the ring leader Jayeola Joshua, and the rescue of 15 young women aged between 20 and 26.

Ayanlade revealed that the victims were found in an apartment in Alagbaka, Akure, where they were allegedly being used for illicit sexual activities.

The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, following credible intelligence.

“Investigations showed that the syndicate lured victims from across the country with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities, including domestic work, ushering jobs, and overseas placements,” Ayanlade said.

He explained that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were later circulated among clients who procured sexual services.

The suspects allegedly disguised the operation as producing relationship content for social media to mislead the public.

“The principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, while the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities,” Ayanlade added.

Following their rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counselling.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) has directed that the landlord of the property be invited for questioning, while the case has been transferred to the Gender Desk Unit for further investigation and reintegration of the victims.

Ayanlade said the CP had ordered that all suspects be prosecuted to reinforce the command’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“This reaffirms the command’s determination to eradicate criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” he noted.

Also read: NAPTIP rescues trafficking victims in Kano operation

The CP also urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel, and called on members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid crime prevention.