Police arrest three suspected human traffickers in Akure

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected human traffickers and rescued several victims in Akure, the state capital, as part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and fraud-related crimes.

The arrest, according to the Command, followed credible intelligence that led operatives to Oda Town in Akure, where the suspects were allegedly operating.

The suspects were identified as John Apiah, a 30-year-old Togolese national, and two young women, Blessings Assiah, aged 22, and Laro Larisa, aged 21.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Apiah arrived in Oda Town in June 2024 under the guise of working as a hair stylist, during which time he allegedly recruited the two women. The trio reportedly rented a one-bedroom apartment from a landlord identified as Owoeye, aged 40.

Police investigation further disclosed that the suspects allegedly lured unsuspecting victims with promises of procuring international passports and United States visas. In the process, they reportedly collected 600,000 CFA francs from Charity Paketerima, aged 27; 500,000 CFA francs from Mohammed Assiah, aged 25; and another 500,000 CFA francs from Kanate Dekadja, aged 35.

After collecting the money, the victims were initially lodged in a hotel before being moved to the suspects’ rented apartment in Oda town, where they were kept under suspicious conditions.

Acting on intelligence reports, police operatives raided the location, rescued the victims and arrested the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, warned landlords and property owners to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants, stressing that negligence that allows properties to be used for criminal activities would attract serious legal consequences.

The police boss also acknowledged the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, noting that ongoing reforms and technological innovations within the Force have continued to improve operational efficiency in the state.

The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human trafficking, trans-border crimes and other criminal activities, while urging residents to provide timely and credible information on suspicious movements to security agencies.

Members of the public were encouraged to contact the Command through the following channels: 0906 058 8958; X: @OndoPoliceNg; Instagram: Ondopolicecommand; Facebook: Ondo State Police Command; and email: Ondopolice@gmail.com.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.