The Ondo State Police Command on Sunday said in Akure, the state capital, that it had detained ten Republic of Benin nationals for operating an unlawful human trafficking enterprise in the state.
According to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawal Adebowale, who spoke with the press about the incident, the accused are Atouh Joel, Mohamed Amidou, Saibou Akateliwe, Abdul Jahao, and Ndah Severin.
Others are Kumpori Ruth, Kumpori Martin, Tatiana Dianne, Martias Sossa, and Ndapola Oba Giov.
The CP said, “On July 31, 2025, at about 20.30 pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their respective residences along Oda Road, Akure. These individuals were discovered to have illegally smuggled themselves into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin. Some of them had expired passports, while others had no valid travel documents whatsoever.
“Investigations revealed that these suspects criminally conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse (male, 29 years old, Congolese) into Nigeria without his consent. The victim was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance to start an online business. He was later abandoned by the group upon arrival.”
The police commissioner stated that the alleged act perpetrated by the suspects was a clear breach of Nigeria’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws.
“The case has since been transferred to the relevant departments, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, for further investigation and prosecution.
“The victim is safe, in the custody of the authorities, and receiving appropriate support,” Adebowale stressed.
The CP invited the people of the state to provide the command with beneficial information that would help it battle crime and criminality throughout the state.
“The command will continue to count on the support, vigilance, and credible information from the good people of Ondo State.
“We reaffirm our resolve to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents through lawful, ethical, and responsive policing.”
