No few than 15 girls have been rescued by the Ondo State Police Command after busting a sex trafficking syndicate in the state during a sting operation.
During the operation at an apartment in Alagbaka area of Akure, the state capital, three suspects were arrested in connection with the trafficking ring, and one Jayeola Joshua identified as the prime suspect.
The suspects were said to be exploiting the victims with their ages ranging between 20 and 26 under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, the victims were manipulated to sending nude images and videos, which were subsequently transmitted to clients procuring sexual services.
Ayanlade emphasised that investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from across the country with false promises of lucrative employment, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements.
While urging parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel, the command reaffirmed its determination to eradicate criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the state.
“The principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, while the operation was disguised as producing relationship content on social media.”
“Evidence indicates that the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities, prompting the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.”
