Ondo State Police Command has busted a notorious sex trafficking syndicate that exploited young women under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday in Akure by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade.
Ayanlade said one Jayeola Joshua and two other suspects were arrested, while 15 young women aged between 20 and 26, housed in an apartment in Alagbaka, Akure, for illicit activities, were rescued by operatives.
The spokesperson added that the syndicate was apprehended by the command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the group.
How the syndicate operated
According to Ayanlade, investigations revealed that the group lured victims from across Nigeria with fake promises of lucrative jobs, including domestic work, ushering services, and international placements.
He explained that the arrangement facilitated sexual exploitation and exposed how criminal groups prey on desperate young women seeking genuine employment.
“Further inquiry uncovered that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were subsequently transmitted to clients procuring sexual services.
“The principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, while the operation was disguised as producing ‘relationship content’ on social media, misleading the public and masking criminal intent.”
Ayanlade noted that after their rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical treatment, psychological evaluation, and counseling.
He said evidence showed the apartment was rented specifically for the illicit operation, leading the Commissioner of Police (CP) to summon the landlord for questioning as investigations continued.
The CP also ordered that the case be handed over to the command’s Gender Desk Unit for further inquiry, counseling, and reintegration of the victims.
Ayanlade added that the CP had directed that all suspects be prosecuted to reaffirm the command’s zero-tolerance stance toward human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“This reaffirms the command’s determination to eradicate criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“The CP has urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel.
“He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can aid in preventing and detecting crime across the state, underscoring the vital role of community partnership in maintaining public safety,” he said.
