— Suspects lured victims with fake job offers, social media content schemes
By Dayo Johnson, Akure
Police detectives in Ondo State have dismantled a sex trafficking syndicate that allegedly exploited young women under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation. Fifteen young women were rescued during the operation.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested Jayeola Joshua of Alagbaka, Akure, alongside two others believed to be connected to the ring.
According to police sources, the syndicate lured victims from across Nigeria with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities, including domestic work, ushering services, and potential overseas placements.
“Upon arrival in Akure, the 15 victims, aged 20 to 26, were housed in an apartment in Alagbaka, which served as the operational base for the activities,” a source said, adding that the setup demonstrated how criminal networks prey on the vulnerability of job-seeking young women.
Further investigations reportedly revealed that the victims were coerced into sending nude images and videos, which were then forwarded to individuals procuring sexual services. The operation was allegedly disguised as production of “relationship content” for social media to conceal the true nature of the activities.
Police also discovered that the apartment used by the syndicate was specifically rented for the illicit operation. The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the landlords be invited for questioning as investigations continue.
Speaking with Vanguard, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the rescued victims have been taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counseling.
He added that Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal has directed that the case be transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation and for supporting the victims’ reintegration into society.
According to Ayanlade, the CP has also ordered the prosecution of all arrested suspects, while efforts are ongoing to track down remaining accomplices. He said the development reflects the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
He noted that intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration within the security architecture contributed significantly to the swift dismantling of the syndicate.
Reiterating the Command’s commitment to dismantling trafficking networks, the CP urged parents and guardians to thoroughly verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their children to travel.
Ayanlade also called on the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can help law enforcement prevent and detect crime across the state.
He assured that the remaining suspects will soon be apprehended.
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