Police Bust Sex Trafficking Syndicate In Ondo, Rescue 15 Victims
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a sex trafficking syndicate operating under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation.
In a statement on Saturday, Ayanlade Olushola, the police public relations officer (PPRO), said the operation followed weeks of surveillance after reports emerged that young women were being lured to Akure, the state capital, with false promises of employment.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit stormed an apartment in Alagbaka, Akure, and arrested Jayeola Joshua and two accomplices. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang,” Olushola said.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate recruited victims nationwide with fake job offers, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements. Upon arrival in Akure, 15 women aged 20 to 26 were lodged in a rented apartment that served as the base for the illicit business.
Further inquiries showed the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were then sold to clients seeking sexual services. The suspects allegedly posed as content creators producing “relationship skits” on social media to conceal their activities.
The principal suspect, Jayeola Joshua, reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, convincing the victims that they were engaged in a legitimate business. Police also discovered that the apartment was rented specifically for the illegal trade, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, to order the landlords to be questioned about possible complicity.
All rescued victims have been taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counselling.
The case has been handed over to the command’s gender desk unit for further investigation and victim rehabilitation.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that all arrested suspects face prosecution, while efforts continue to track down the remaining gang members,” Olushola said.
He urged parents and guardians to verify the authenticity of job offers before allowing their children to travel and called on the public to report suspicious activities, stressing that community partnership is crucial in fighting crime.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
